KK115+Golden+Jellyfish

G o l d e n J e l l y f i s h

//**Introduction**// **→**

The Golden Jellyfish is a beautiful species that thrives in the Jellyfish Lake on the Island of Eil Malk in Palau. They have been trapped in the lake along with other species for over twelve-thousand years since being trapped there at the end of an Ice Age. These beautiful creatures have been able to evolve themselves into being able to photosynthesize. The Golden Jellyfish are certainly a mesmerizing species of marine animals.

//** Becoming Trapped **//→

Since their entrapment, the Golden Jellyfish have been able to photosynthesize, something almost no other animal on the planet could do. The species basically power on the sun, using jet propulsion to follow the sunlight. Their movements of swimming back and forth across the lake stir up the lake's water and churn the nutrients at the bottom of the lake. Also residing in the lake are algae-like organisms called zooxanthellae, and when eaten by the jellyfish, the organisms give the jellies their beautiful golden glow. Since being trapped in the peaceful lake, there have been no threats to the species. Therefore, the Golden Jellyfish have lost their deadly sting. If by chance, a Golden Jellyfish happens to sting you, you will not feel a thing unless it's on a sensitive area. Usually, a tourist stung by the jellyfish does not know they have been stung until they get out of the lake and notice a red mark.

//** Their Body **//→

A Golden Jellyfish has a large body, approximately the size of a tv, possibly bigger.‍ The reason these jellyfish are so large is because they grow about 100 centimeters per week.‍ The average Golden Jellyfish will live from about one hundred years to three hundred years. These jellyfish are vertebrates and have no brains, bones, or hearts. Their stingers, which are no longer deadly, are called nematocysts. Their scientific name is Mastigias Papau. The Golden Jellyfish body is called a 'belle'.

//** Fun Facts **// →


 * 1) Group name is 'Shaque'
 * 2) Their diet consists of zooplankton and sometimes, other jellyfish
 * 3) They use their stingers to feast on zooplankton
 * 4) Scuba equipment is not allowed in the lake because the bubbles can actually harm the delicate jellyfish's bodies if they get under the 'belle'.
 * 5) There are Nirvana jellyfish that live among the Golden Jellyfish claiming the lake as their safe haven
 * 6) There are over 13 million Golden Jellyfish in the lake
 * 7) The jellyfish used to have spots and stripes, but have lost them
 * 8) They have almost no more clubs, an appendage attached to the oral arms
 * 9) There is hydrogen sulfide found at the bottom of the lake where the Golden Jellyfish live
 * 10) It costs about $10,900 to get a permit to be able to visit the island and see the Golden Jellyfish

//** Pictures **//→



//** Video **// →

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//** Questions On The Video **//→


 * 1) How many jellyfish would you normally see in a pack?
 * 2) About how big is the Golden Jellyfish based on observation?
 * 3) Where are they commuting to?

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