(this is a reboot of an old post that appeared on this site nearly two years ago, complete with new science and pictures!) Watching animals eat is like my biology crack. I don’t need it, I don’t have to do it,… Read More ›
Anatomy
Thousands of bright blue animals are washing ashore–what are they?
Over the past few months, odd floating jellies have been washing up on Pacific US beaches by the thousands. With clear plastic-like sails, and bright blue flesh, these harmless jellies have stumped many a beachcomber. Now, Steve Haddock and Susan von Thun of the… Read More ›
This animal can be torn apart, and will come back together again
Though we might not think much of the small pond Hydra, it’s got an incredible secret superpower. It spends much of its day extending its small tentacles and waiting for food to pass, but when the going gets rough for… Read More ›
I’ve been waiting 16 years to know: what is the ocean dandelion?
I was 12 when I first saw an “ocean dandelion,” and I wish I’d known then how strange these animals truly are. I was watching a documentary: researchers had collected a deep sea dandelion using a submersible, but upon… Read More ›
Video: collecting deadly jellies
On Friday morning I received an email that started like this: Dear MBL-ers For your information we can confirm that specimens of Portuguese man o’ wars in the waters in the vicinity of Woods Hole. This species, known as Physalia physalia, is… Read More ›
Where do jellyfish lay their eggs?
Everywhere. When you go to the beach, you’re not swimming in ocean water, your swimming in ocean water plus the sperm and eggs of millions of sea animals. Many species, jellies included, are broadcast spawners. With few exceptions, they don’t… Read More ›
Biology of the Black Jelly (Chrysaora achlyos)
The west coast of North America is home to one of the most mysterious stinging nettles known, the black jelly, Chrysaora achlyos. Adults are huge, a deep dark purple or black, and very rarely seen. Blooms for this species were recorded… Read More ›
