Cassiopea ornata
Species of jellyfish
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Through Pelagic zone, Tropics and Symbiosis
Reproduction
Cassiopea ornata are a part of the class, Scyphozoa, "the true jelly-fish." Members of this class are gonochoric. As a cnidarian, the cassiopea ornata jellyfish can reproduce both sexually and asexually. When in a medusa form, it will reproduce sexually. The male will produce sperm and release them into the water, while the female produces eggs and keeps them in order to obtain the males sperm and fertilize the eggs. When the jellyfish is in a polyp form, it will reproduce asexually by means of budding.
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Feeding
Cassiopea ornata are photosynthetic due to a symbiotic relationship with the zooxanthellae that live below their tentacles. These algae feed on the sun and produce nutrients. The remaining nutrients become food for the jellyfish. These jellyfish are able to thrive because the mutualistic relationship with the algae and rarely have to hunt.
Geography
Cassiopea ornata are pelagic and reside in tropical, shallow waters. The jellyfish have been observed in various locations, including off the coast of Australia, Guam, Philippines, Japan, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea.