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of Palau is a chain of islands in the North Pacific Ocean,
southeast of the Philippines. Only eight of the 343 islands are
populated. Palau is famous for its breathtaking coral reefs, but
the scenery above ground is just as spectacular. The geological
features known as Rock Islands are found in the southern part
of Palau. These small islands resemble green mushrooms. Contained
in Rock Islands are hidden bodies of saltwater, the most unusual
of which is Jellyfish Lake. Known for the millions of Mastigias
jellyfish that inhabit the lake, it is also home to the Moon jellyfish.
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Moon jellyfish
Moon jellyfish (Aurelia aurita) are
transparent animals with no heart, brain, kidneys or
circulatory system. Although unable to see images, sensory
cells around the edge of the bell contain photoreceptive
cells that allow them to differentiate between light and
dark and assist in balance. Moon jellies are filter feeders,
catching larval brine shrimp on the fringed hair-like stinging
tentacles surrounding the bell. Four oral arms of different
lengths
surround the mouth of the jellyfish. In females, these
arms become the temporary brood pouch for fertilized eggs.
The Moon jelly is 90-95% water. In their natural environment,
they can reach 10 inches (25 cm) or more in diameter.
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© Copyright 2002, The Dallas World Aquarium, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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