Modern AI interpretation of dinner plate jelly form.
Modern AI interpretation of Solmissus at genus level; exact tentacle count and species identity are not certified.
Overview
Solmissus dinner plate jellies have broad, flattened bells and hunt with tentacles extended ahead of the swimming animal. MBARI explains that this arrangement reaches prey before swimming pulses advertise the approaching predator. After capture, tentacles bend beneath the bell to bring food to the mouth. The institutional profile covers a genus, so its worldwide range and maximum diameter should not be treated as a diagnosis of one species.
Raskoff used remotely operated vehicle observations in Monterey Bay to examine feeding and stomach contents. The primary abstract reports 88 identifiable prey items in 82 animals belonging to S. incisa and S. marshalli; most items were gelatinous organisms. Ctenophores predominated within that gelatinous fraction. Euphausiids may have arrived inside swallowed ctenophores. This sampling supports stealth predation in the observed population, without making every gut item direct prey or every species identical.
Origins & earliest records
Living genus; observations concern feeding rather than its evolutionary first appearance.
Evidence & interpretation
Scientific and institutional observations.
Selected bibliography
Documented works and useful reading. This is not a list of every appearance.
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Family & connections
A source-supported family tree or inspiration record has not yet been compiled for this profile. Related reading below indicates a connection in subject matter, not a proven lineage or creative influence.
Look for a taxonomic record and classified relativesReferences
Sources supporting this profile. Linked pages have their own scope and editorial standards.
- Research-institution observational accountDinner plate jellyResearch access: 2026-10-12
- Primary research abstractForaging, prey capture, and gut contents of the mesopelagic narcomedusa Solmissus spp.Research access: 2026-10-12
Image credits
Modern scientific interpretationModern AI interpretation of dinner plate jelly form.
Modern AI interpretation of Solmissus at genus level; exact tentacle count and species identity are not certified.