Crambionella orsini

Crambionella orsini is a type of jellyfish known for its distinct size and shape, with a bell diameter that typically ranges from 10 to 20 centimeters (about 4 to 8 inches). The jellyfish has a sturdy and dense texture, resembling cartilage, with a smooth exterior. Each section of the jellyfish's body displays 16 small, sharply pointed lobes that are separated by clear, pigment-free grooves running upward on its outer bell. The mouth arms of Crambionella orsini are roughly the same length as the radius of the bell, with the first part making up about one-third of the length. These arms have a unique, large prismatic shape and end in a short, gelatinous knob that has three rounded points. Additionally, this jellyfish species has a circular canal system with numerous radial vessels.

Crambionella orsini is part of the Scyphozoa class, whose members are gonochoric, meaning each individual is distinctly male or female. Their life cycle is quite complex, beginning with an egg produced by the adult jellyfish. This egg develops into a free-swimming planula larva, which then becomes a scyphistoma, progresses into a strobila, and ultimately matures into a young, free-swimming medusa.

In 🇴🇲 Oman, the abundance of these jellyfish has presented significant challenges for local fishermen. The population has grown so much that nets often end up catching several tons of jellyfish instead of fish, severely impacting the fishing activities in the region.