Mastigias papua

(Lesson, 1830)

Vernacular names
English : Golden medusa
French : Méduse papoue

Classification
Class : Scyphozoa
Order : Rhizostomeae
Family : Mastigiidae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
Adults can grow to a diameter of around 8 cm. Round translucent bell, presence of 8 frilled oral arms. Coloration variable depending on subspecies, from greenish to yellow or grey with clear blotches on the bell.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in the Indo-Pacific region, from East Africa and Red Sea to Japan and Australia, east to Fiji. A separate subspecies occurs around Palau. Found in open oceans, shores and saltwater lakes (on Palau only).

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : NOT LISTED
CITES : Not listed
Status : The species’ status has yet to be assessed but the species seems numerous and widespread. The populations in Palau need monitoring.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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