29.08.2015

Compared to the Mediterranean, the Black Sea has a lower salinity of waters, in winter part of which is covered with ice, and in summer at a depth of 60-80 meters the temperature does not exceed 7 degrees. In the depths of the Black Sea there is an accumulation of life-threatening hydrogen sulfide gas. Therefore, its relatively poor organic life is concentrated on the continental shallows and in the surface layer of the open sea to a depth of 160 meters. But even here there are animals that can, upon meeting and direct contact, cause trouble to a person. These include two species of scyphoid coelenterates common in the Black Sea.

Although this permanent inhabitant of the warm coastal waters of this sea does not pose a threat to human life and health, in the absence of other representatives, this is the most dangerous jellyfish of the Black Sea. The rhizostome is also the largest (of the three species living in it) jellyfish of this reservoir. Medusa Cornerot can weigh up to 10 kg and reach 50-60 cm in length.

In an adult animal of this species, the mouth is completely overgrown, and its role is played by numerous holes on the oral lobes, equipped with processes. For the outward resemblance of processes physiologically performed as a mouth to the root of plants, the family got its name. The hemispherical white-transparent umbrella of the rhizostomy along the edge contains a bright border of blue, blue or purple.

In its lacy "legs" there are stinging cells containing a rather strong poison - rhizostomine. It is able to paralyze shrimp, fish and other small animals, although the cornerot feeds exclusively on plankton. Contact with this lace on the skin of a sensitive person will give the sensation of touching a hot iron and may cause irritation similar to stinging nettles.

Therefore, the rhizostomy is also called nettle, zhguchka or zhigalka. Unlike smaller jellyfish that move passively, carried by water, cornerots are capable of active jet propulsion. Their umbrella is constantly contracting, pushing out the water that moves the body of the rhizostomy. More often it swims on its side, but can quickly evade pursuit or hide in depth with an umbrella forward.

This is the most common scyphomedusa in the oceans. It lives in almost all warm seas and oceans, and is even found in Arctic waters. In some years there is so much of it that you have to swim not in water, but in the amorphous transparent bodies of these animals. Thankfully it's safe enough. Their stinging cells are less strong than those of the rhizostomy.

Just do not allow her mouth blades to touch the delicate skin of the lips or the mucous membrane of the eyes. Aurelia eared (common jellyfish) is outwardly very attractive. Its dome can reach a diameter of 40 centimeters. It is translucent bluish or purple-pink in color. Through the layers, which are 98% water, you can see the insides of the animal. Four horseshoe-shaped "decorations" characteristic of Aurelia are its gonads.

You can also see its internal cavity - the stomach. The mouth opening of Aurelia is located on the underside of the dome, four long oral lobes extend from it, which resemble the ears of a donkey in appearance, for which it received its second name - eared. Numerous (empty inside) tentacles are located along the edge of the umbrella of the aurita. They serve as sense organs for the jellyfish.

They pick up ultrasounds and transmit signals to the oral lobes, which are already executive organs - they drive the prey into the mouth opening, capture it, paralyze it with the help of stinging cells. The animal feeds on small planktonic and benthic organisms. Contact of stinging cells with the skin of the lips or eyes of a person can cause irritation. The rest of the skin will not be affected by the poison of this jellyfish, for this it is too weak.

Most animals in a hopeless situation for them, simply defend themselves from humans. Taking Aurelia or Cornerot in your hands, do not expect them to be happy about it. They will use all their methods of self-defense in fear. If you don't want to be stung and get an allergic reaction, don't touch these animals. Animals are not dangerous to humans, but humans are dangerous to them.