JELLYFISHES (CTENOPHORA AND SCYPHOZOA)

This chapter focuses on two groups of animals historically classified under the phylum Coelenterata because of their shared radial symmetry and other structural similarities. It examines a cross formal taxonomic lines and considers Ctenophora and Cnidarian Scyphozoa because of their many anatomic, physiologic, and behavioral similarities. The predator comb jellies are in turn preyed upon by jellyfish, sea turtles, and some fishes. The box jellyfish are the topic of considerable taxonomic discussion. Heavy metal toxicities are documented for moon jellyfish and 200μg copper per liter leads to rapid mortality of polyps. Fungi and viruses likely infect jellyfish, but little work has been done to investigate these possibilities. Digeneans can infect jellyfish medusae as part of their complex life cycle that usually involves three hosts. Isopods have been reported as symbionts of jellyfish in the wild. Medical imaging brings immediately to mind routine radiographic films commonly associated with diagnosing broken limbs and misplaced organs.