reynoldsi is relatively large compared to other species of Atolla. Now, researchers have collected sufficient details about morphological and molecular features to describe one of these three unique jellies: Atolla reynoldsi. Over the past 15 years, MBARI researchers have observed and collected numerous specimens of three types of Atolla -like jellies that lack the typical trailing tentacle. Observations from researchers in Japan suggest the single trailing tentacle helps a hungry Atolla snag siphonophores (rope-like gelatinous animals made of specialized segments). Researchers believe this long tentacle aids in capturing prey. One tentacle can stretch up to six times the diameter of the bell. One feature researchers often use to identify Atolla is the single elongate, or hypertrophied, tentacle. This trailing tentacle may help the jelly snag prey. The deep-sea crown jelly Atolla typically has one tentacle much longer than the rest. Some characteristics thought to be species-specific have turned out to be less than helpful in separating out the species. wyvillei, can be rather difficult to identify. But others, even the common and widespread A. vanhoeffeni are the most recognizable-they have unique features that make them relatively easy to identify. To date, scientists recognize 10 species in the genus. MBARI’s archive of more than 27,600 hours of video contains thousands of observations of Atolla. The deep-sea crown jelly Atolla is found worldwide and can be abundant in deep water. ![]() They hope to eventually describe these new additions to Atolla ’s family tree. ![]() Matsumoto and his coauthors believe two more previously unknown species of Atolla also live in the depths of Monterey Bay, California. Aquarium volunteers have been instrumental in raising awareness about the fragility of the ocean and inspiring the public to care about the health of the ocean,” said MBARI Senior Education and Research Specialist George Matsumoto, who was the lead author on the description of this new species. They have graciously given their time to educate the public about the wonders of the ocean. “We named this stunning new species in honor of Jeff Reynolds in recognition of the 4.3 million hours of service that he and other volunteers have contributed to the Monterey Bay Aquarium over the past 38 years. MBARI researchers recently described Atolla reynoldsi, a large new species of deep-sea crown jelly with distinctive thorny projections around the margin of its bell. They have named their discovery Atolla reynoldsi in honor of the first volunteer at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, MBARI’s education and conservation partner. MBARI researchers have now published the scientific description of a large new species of Atolla in the scientific journal Animals. So 15 years ago, when MBARI researchers spotted a jelly that looked like Atolla, but lacked the telltale trailing tentacle, their curiosity was piqued. ![]() Its bell has a signature scarlet color and bears one tentacle much longer than the rest. The deep-sea crown jelly Atolla is one of the most common residents of the ocean’s midnight zone.
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