When danger approaches, the silky jelly (Colobonema sericeum) uses speed and clever tricks to avoid being eaten. As they make a quick exit, they drop sticky tentacles to confuse potential predators. We have seen silky jellies with tentacles of varying, uneven lengths. This suggests that Colobonema can grow back their lost tentacles.
We have recorded an extensive archive of deep-sea video that offers insight into more than just animal behavior. Our researchers use this trove of data to understand long-term trends in populations of midwater animals. Comparing thousands of observations of deep-sea jellies reveals how their populations ebb and flow over time. Silky jellies are abundant in Monterey Bay, but only between 200-700 meters (660-2,300 feet). During warm El Niño events, they become scarce. As climate change alters the ocean, what will the future look like for Colobonema? We worry they will get squeezed into a smaller and smaller range.
Animals of the deep have built remarkable strategies to thrive in the ocean. But even an escape artist like Colobonema cannot outrun the impacts of climate change. We must act quickly to ensure the future of these denizens of the deep. Understanding how our actions affect the ocean and Earth’s climate is critical. Share what you have learned and help us grow our community of ocean champions.
Learn more about the silky jelly at www.mbari.org/animal/silky-jelly and other fascinating animals of the deep: mbari.co/AnimalsOfTheDeep
Understand the ocean’s role in climate change and how we can all take action to protect the ocean: www.montereybayaquarium.org/a...
Script writers: Megan Bassett, Heidi Cullen
Editor: Ted Blanco
Narrator: Kyra Schlining
Motion Graphics: Madeline Go
Production team: Madeline Go, Heidi Cullen, Larissa Lemon, Raúl Nava, Kyra Schlining, Nancy Jacobsen Stout, Susan von Thun
References:
Raskoff (Raskoff, K.A. (2001). The impact of El Niño events on populations of mesopelagic hydromedusae. Hydrobiologia, 451: 121-129. doi.org/10.1007/978-94-010-0722-1_11)