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When the prey has been
captured it is usually covered in mucus and transported
towards the mouth by the small cilia and mouth arms.
The moon jellyfishes stinging cells are weak
and therefore not irritable to human skin - but can possibly
cause discomfort on thin or sensitive skin, aswell as the
eyes and lips.
Jelly eaters
The moon jellyfish medusa stage is eaten
by a number of different creatures: for example other jellyfish, anemones,
fish and birds. The stinging cells give certain protection, but they can
be weakening to sick or dying individuals, who are also the prey of the
jellyfish.
As with all creatures, it is important for the moon jellyfish
to be able to collect information from its surroundings. They need to know
what is happening around them to be able to detect predators and other dangers,
to find similar species to mate with and to find and catch food.
The moon jellyfish can comprehend its environment in all directions by using
its eight perepherally mounted sensory
organs. These contain a balance organ, a simple eye and probably some
form of smelling organ. Probably these only give information about the jellyfishes
closest surroundings.
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