Moon jellyfish reproduce sexually during their medusa (adult) stage by releasing sperm and eggs into the water for external fertilization.
Here's a breakdown of the moon jellyfish reproductive process:
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Sexual Reproduction (Medusa Stage): Adult moon jellyfish (medusae) are either male or female. During the breeding season, they release sperm and eggs into the surrounding water. Fertilization occurs externally, forming a planula larva.
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Planula Larva: The planula is a free-swimming larva that eventually settles onto a hard surface, such as a rock or reef.
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Polyp Stage (Asexual Reproduction): Once settled, the planula transforms into a polyp, a small, stalk-like structure. Polyps can reproduce asexually through budding, creating more polyps. This allows for rapid population growth.
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Strobilation: When conditions are favorable (e.g., changes in temperature), the polyp undergoes strobilation. The polyp divides horizontally, forming stacks of saucer-shaped structures called ephyrae.
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Ephyra: Each ephyra detaches from the polyp and develops into a young medusa, completing the life cycle.
In summary, moon jellyfish utilize both sexual reproduction in the medusa stage and asexual reproduction in the polyp stage to propagate their species.
