Jelly Lei

Databank Text

Anthobrachia hebesoros, the young stack of flower arms. Reproductive stage of a flower-like jelly.

1. Polyp
   Despite its resemblance to a kelp, the jelly lei prefers to hang underneath surfaces—where it cannot photosynthesize. It is the rooted polyp phase of a jellyfish’s life cycle. The chain of ‘flowers’ growing beneath the polyp are larval jellyfish, called ephyra. The stalk itself is called a scyphistome.

2. Ephyral traits
   The budding larvae have broad, flat petals which will eventually merge into the adult jelly’s bell. These petals already host photosynthetic symbiotes—it is possible the adult jelly will seek light sources to grow, akin to the terrestrial upside-down jelly. Note the purple color produced by photosynthetic retinal, the same molecule your eyes use to detect light.

3. Heat stress
   The jelly lei’s growth cycle has been accelerated by heat stress. The stalked parent may release its larvae early to allow them to swim clear of hot, oxygen-depleted water.

Assessment: sign of ecological crisis.