Anthomedusae

/ˌænθoʊˈmɛdjuːsiː/ noun

Definition

A group of small jellyfish-like creatures that have tentacles arranged around their mouth and are in their medusa (free-swimming) stage of life.

Etymology

From Greek 'anthos' (flower) and 'medusa' (a type of jellyfish), because these organisms resemble tiny flowers with their tentacle arrangements.

Kelly Says

These creatures are literally named 'flower-jellyfish' because ancient naturalists thought their tentacles looked like flower petals — they were doing their best to describe weird ocean life with the most poetic comparisons available.

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