Sea Tomato

Crambione mastigophora

Crambione mastigophora is a pelagic jellyfish found in tropical waters, specifically in the Indo-West Pacific region, including Australia and the Marshall Islands. This species can reach a maximum diameter of 40 cm and is characterized by its highly arched bell, which is smooth on the exumbrella. The jellyfish has between eight to ten velar lappets in each octant, which are elongate with rounded edges. Its moutharms are about the same length as the radius of the bell, with a distinctive pyramidal distal portion that features many small club-shaped and some long filamentous appendages. These morphological traits help distinguish it from similar jellyfish species in the area. Typically inhabiting depths shallower than 40 meters, with most occurrences recorded at depths less than 10 meters, the Sea Tomato prefers open water environments. It has been observed in various dive sites, indicating its relatively widespread presence in suitable habitats. The life cycle of this jellyfish includes several stages, starting from eggs laid by adult medusae, which develop into free-living planulae, then into scyphistomae, and finally into young medusae. This reproductive strategy is typical for members of the class Scyphozoa. Encounters with the Sea Tomato during dives can be intriguing, as divers may observe its graceful movements in the water column. With its unique morphology and relatively large size, it is an interesting species to observe, although it is not known to pose a threat to humans. The conservation status of Crambione mastigophora is currently not evaluated, indicating a lack of specific data regarding its population trends.