Cannonball Jellyfish:
Local resident Phil Alexander described a school of creatures that were a “cross between a jellyfish and an anemone." These are cannonball jellyfish, Stomolophus melagris. Unlike most plankton, which drift with the currents, these jellies can move rapidly by contracting their bell. They grow to 8” around, and occur most frequently off the Carolinas and southward.
Photo by Aimee Halvorson of the VIMS Trawl Survey.
Unidentified Marine Organism?
| August 28, 2009I've encountered an unfamiliar marine organism on the beach or in the water. How can I find out what it is?
The images in the photo slideshow above illustrate some of the more common "UFOs" (unidentified fishy organisms) submitted to VIMS for identification (click the arrows to move through the photoset).
If you have found an unfamiliar marine organism on the beach or in the water, and would like our help in providing an identification, please e-mail a description (location, size, shape, color, behavior, etc.) and a digital photo if you have one, to [[davem,UFOs at VIMS]].
