Yes, jellyfish do have sperm.
Jellyfish Reproduction: A Closer Look
Jellyfish exhibit a fascinating lifecycle that includes two distinct body forms: the polyp and the medusa. Understanding these forms is key to understanding how jellyfish reproduce.
The Medusa Stage
- The medusa is the familiar, free-swimming form of the jellyfish.
- Medusae are responsible for sexual reproduction. They have specialized organs that produce gametes: eggs in females and sperm in males.
- According to reference material, medusae spawn eggs and sperm to reproduce sexually.
The Polyp Stage
- The polyp is a stalk-like, typically sessile (attached) form.
- Polyps generally reproduce asexually by budding. This means that a new polyp can grow out of an existing one.
Sexual Reproduction in Jellyfish
The crucial point is that the medusa stage, specifically, is where sperm production occurs. Here's how it works:
- Male jellyfish release sperm into the water.
- Female jellyfish release eggs into the water or retain them in their bodies.
- Fertilization occurs when sperm meets the egg.
- This fertilized egg develops into a larva, which eventually becomes a polyp and the cycle begins again.
Summary Table
| Jellyfish Form | Reproduction Type | Gamete Production |
|---|---|---|
| Polyp | Asexual (budding) | None |
| Medusa | Sexual | Sperm and eggs |
Conclusion
Therefore, it's clear that male medusa jellyfish produce and release sperm as part of their sexual reproductive cycle.
