aequoriini

Aequoriini is a tribe of marine cnidarians belonging to the family Aequoreidae. These jellyfish are characterized by their radially symmetrical bodies and the presence of a gastrovascular cavity. Aequoriini are commonly found in temperate and tropical waters worldwide, often inhabiting the epipelagic zone of the ocean. Their diet consists mainly of plankton and small invertebrates.

Members of the Aequoriini tribe typically possess a bell-shaped medusa that can vary in size, with some species reaching several centimeters in diameter. The bell margin is usually smooth, and the tentacles, which hang from the bell, can be numerous and fine. Their coloration is often translucent or iridescent, with some species exhibiting bioluminescent properties. Reproduction in Aequoriini follows the typical cnidarian life cycle, involving both asexual polyp and sexual medusa stages. The polyps are small and sessile, attached to substrates, and they bud off the medusae. The medusae are free-swimming and are responsible for sexual reproduction, releasing gametes into the water.

While some species of Aequoriini are relatively well-studied, the diversity and ecological roles of many within this tribe are still subjects of ongoing research. They are an integral part of the marine food web, serving as both predators and prey for other organisms. Their delicate nature and oceanic habitat can make them challenging to observe and study in their natural environment.