Pitcairn Islands 2 Dollars 2011 Silver Proof Jellyfish Chrysaora Achlyos

Description

The black sea nettle (Chrysaora achlyos), sometimes informally known as the “black jellyfish” due to its dark coloration, is a species of jellyfish that can be found in the waters of the Pacific Ocean. Its range is thought to be from Monterey Bay in the north, down to southern Baja California and Mexico, though there are reports of sightings as far north as British Columbia. It is a giant jellyfish, with its bell measuring up to 1 m (3 ft) in size, and its oral arms extending up to 6 m (20 ft) in length. Despite its size and occasional proximity to Pacific coastal cities, the Black sea nettle was only recognized and scientifically described as a separate species in 1997, though misidentified pictures of the jellyfish had been taken in 1925. It has the scientific distinction of being the largest invertebrate discovered in the twentieth century.