This is part 2 of my visit to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Part 1 can be viewed here. Jelly Fish are such unique creatures, and the closes things we have to alien life. Considering where they live, they might as well be considered just that. The deep ocean is a whole other world. Walking through the MBA Jelly Fish tanks is like walking through a portal to another dimension. Something that I hope this post takes you as well, but no way can pictures do them justice. It is something you need to experience for yourself. We can try though. Sit back, and come take a walk with me.....
(Chrysaora colorata)
Maybe my favorite part of the MBA!. Viewing these creatures up close can be a life altering experience. Almost psychedelic like. There shape seems to flow, and morph with he current of the water. What is just as amazing is the fact humans have been able to keep these creatures alive in an artificial environment! Something that I did not know, until I was looking up some info for my post the other day. Is the biologists of MBA have pioneered the animal husbandry of jellyfish. That piece of info can be viewed here, and more facts about the Jelly can be viewed here.
(Chrysaora fuscescens)
Did you know that Jellies do not have brains, bones or teeth? Only about 5% of it's body is mass, while the rest is water!
(Aequorea victoria)
These remind me of stringed Xmas lights. Under the lighting they have in the tanks, they give off such a cool glow!
(Mitrocoma cellularia)
Ok reality check, kids going crazy at this point! lol. The room is dark, and it is easy to get lost looking at these spectacular creatures. Dad duties never stop.
(Ctenophora)
(Aurelia)
Sorry for the picture, it was hard to take, whatever kind of jelly this is, it is small! They look a lot like Tadpoles don't they? Apparently new species of Jelly Fish are constantly being discovered! Check out this one here
Which one of these where your favorite? Please let me know in the comments. There where so many more, I just had my hands full. I will make sure to take more next time, and have some different info for you all. Or you can just come, and visit yourself. Make sure to bring the kids, or maybe just your lover. This town is perfect for either;)
All pictures are mine. I used this website here for the names of the Jellies.