Periphylla periphylla, jelly from
the deep.
Pictures and text:
Erling Svensen
Periphylla periphylla is a deepwater jellyfish, which during the
winter migrates to towards the surface. It occurs in all oceans except
the Arctic areas. Scientists believe that the jelly may reach the age
of 30 years. Fertilized eggs are deposited on deep water and use
months to evolve. Periphylla has 12 tentacles and the body may be 20
cm high. The usual depth where the jelly is found is from about 1000
meters down to 7000 meters. In Lurefjorden close to the city of
Bergen, this remarkable creature occurs at unusual conditions. The
fjord is “only” 700 meters deep and there is also a very high density
of jellies. During the night Periphylla migrates from between 60 and
200 meters to the surface. This image was captured in Lurefjorden
January this year at only 2 meters depth.
