Invisible Oceans Founder's Collection: Invisible Oceans #94: Olindias phosphorica III

Among the vast array of hydromedusan jellies, one stands out for its delicacy, unusual habit and its ability to glow in the dark. This is Olindias phosphorica and the specific name, phosphorica reflects it ability to generate its own light. The behavioural habits of this jelly are remarkable, too. By day, it folds in upon itself, having contracted every centimetre of its very long and delicate tentacles into pig's tail-type coils close to the margin of the bell as seen here. It then folds the bell itself into a chubby cigar-shaped cylinder and sinks to the lagoon floor, there to be rolled around by he tidal movements and waves. Around nightfall, it unfolds and spreads its tentacles long and far, then pulses itself into the water column, where it catches all manner of Planktonic prey.

Lizard Island, Australia (2004)

Nikon F4 | Micro Nikkor 105mm f2.8 | Fuji Velvia