THE EFFECT OF TEMPERATURE ON CYANEA LAMARCKII (BLUEFIRE JELLYFISH) POLYP STROBILATION

The purpose of this project was to research the effect of temperature on polyp strobilation of the C. lamarckii and to observe whether colder water increases strobilation. There was one control group staying at a temperature of 56°F, and two experimental groups that were set at 56°F and then changed to a different temperature. Plate #2 went from 56°F to 70°F, and data was collected for five weeks. Then the plate went back to its original temperature and data was collected for another five weeks. The process was similar with plate #3 which went from 56°F to 45°F and was observed for five weeks. The results thus far are showing that the warmer temperatures have a decrease in strobilation rates, and the colder water has strobilation rates that are much greater than the warmer temperature. Plate #1 and 3 had constant strobilation rates throughout the five weeks. So far, the hypothesis is supported by the results. The warmer water had a lower strobilation rate and the colder water had higher strobilation rates.