8o Dwellers of the Sea and Shore 



Cyanea the disk is seldom larger than that of Aurelia's, 

 hut is more domelike; the incisions of the margin are 

 more pronounced and are sixteen in number; only eight 

 of these notches, however, contain eyespots. On the 

 under surface is the central mouth, surrounded and hid- 

 den by four long voluminous veils that hang in loose 

 folds. Near the margin, separated into eight distinct 

 clusters, are the tentacles. 



Here we come to what are perhaps the most singular 

 organs in the animal kingdom. For one who sees our 

 Cyanea the first time, as it floats serenely near the sur- 

 face, trailing beneath its pulsating body these long and 

 multitudinous threads, some of which are spun out for 

 several feet and glisten like the finest gossamer, it is 

 hard to realize that the jellyfish is anything but defense- 

 less. But let one inadvertently expose his bare skin to 

 the touch of the delicate strands and he will quickly 

 withdraw with surprise. And if the specimen encoun- 

 tered be large enough, his surprise will not be unmin- 

 gled with pain. The tentacles are, in fact, the crea- 

 ture's stinging organs wherewith it shocks and benumbs 

 its prey. With these formidable weapons it literally 

 combs the water for small fishes, crustaceans, and other 

 animals upon which it feeds. They are contractile and 

 extensible; indeed, the enormous length to which they 

 can be extruded gives a considerable compass to the 

 operations of the animal. But it so happens that 

 Cyanea is not always hungry. Nevertheless, any luck- 

 less swimmer that grazes the paralyzing snare is seized 

 and stunned just the same. It is soon released, how- 

 ever, and sinks to the bottom as if dead. Then, after 

 a while, the effect of the shock seems to pass off, the 



