Purple Jellyfish

The Purple Jellyfish, known scientifically as Thysanostoma loriferum, is a species found in tropical waters, usually swimming at depths between 5 and 6 meters (16 to 20 feet). These jellyfish can grow up to 20 centimeters (about 8 inches) in length.

They have a unique structure, with six to eight velar lappets—or small flaps—in each section of their body, connected by a delicate membrane. The distinctive mouth-arms of the Purple Jellyfish end in a smooth, oval knob. In terms of internal anatomy, they possess a complex system of canals, featuring up to 30 roots per section.

Members of the class Scyphozoa, these jellyfish are either male or female, a trait known as gonochorism. Their life cycle is fascinating: they start as adults that release eggs into the water. The eggs develop into small, free-swimming larvae called planulae. These larvae settle down and transform into a stage called scyphistoma, which then changes into a strobila. Eventually, the strobila matures into a young medusa, completing the cycle as a new jellyfish.