| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Anchored |
| Category | Jellies |
| Species | Anthobrachia hebesoros |
| Attitude | Passive |
| Biome | Coral Gardens |
| Scan Tool | Bioscanner |
The Jelly Lei is an anchored hanging Lifeform.
Appearance
The Jelly Lei has a long, slender body. The upper third is a deep purple, whereas the rest is lighter in color. At the top sits a bulbous head-like part, which connects the Jelly Lei to the surface it hangs from. On most individuals, this part includes a ring of egg-shaped organs which emit a light blueish light. From its central axis extend downward a series of flower-like petals, which inspire its taxonomic name. At the bottom of the Jelly Lei hang several oblong arms.
Databank Entry
Jelly Lei
Anthobrachia hebesoros, the young stack of flower arms. Reproductive stage of a flower-like jelly.
1. Polyp
Despite its resemblance to a kelp, the jelly lei prefers to hang underneath surfaces—where it cannot photosynthesize. It is the rooted polyp phase of a jellyfish's life cycle. The chain of 'flowers' growing beneath the polyp are larval jellyfish, called ephyra. The stalk itself is called a scyphistome.
2. Ephyral traits
The budding larvae have broad, flat petals which will eventually merge into the adult jelly's bell. These petals already host photosynthetic symbiotes—it is possible the adult jelly will seek light sources to grow, akin to the terrestrial upside-down jelly. Note the purple color produced by photosynthetic retinal, the same molecule your eyes use to detect light.
3. Heat stress
The jelly lei's growth cycle has been accelerated by heat stress. The stalked parent may release its larvae early to allow them to swim clear of hot, oxygen-depleted water.
Assessment: sign of ecological crisis.
Source: Scan a Jelly Lei
Gallery
In Game
  
Trivia
- The Jelly Lei is named for its resemblance to jellies and lei garlands traditional in Polynesian cultures.
