Author: Laura Leyva / Planet Tuna
Scientific name: Pelagia noctiluca
Place of photography: On board the oceanographic vessel Ángeles Alvariño during the oceanographic campaign TUNIBAL 2019 in Balearic waters.
The Ephraim corresponds to one of the developmental stages of the early stages of jellyfish life. Its flat shape and its eight outstretched marginal arms remind of the stars. During its development it will undergo different morphological modifications that will end up giving way to the juvenile phase, with the already typical flared form of the jellyfish and with the development of the tentacles. During the ephemeral phase jellyfish experience the highest mortality rate, their survival will depend on the success of the adult population.