User:Cmeis1/Deepstaria

Symbiotic Relationship with Isopods
As mentioned above, Deepstaria open and close their bell, or stomach cavity, allowing them to take in prey. This motion also allows isopods to enter and live inside the jellyfish. Although the nature of their relationship is not fully understood, scientists currently believe that the isopod rides along and gains nutrients from the Deepstaria while being protected from predators. When the isopod inside the Deepstaria was seen in a 1967 dive, scientists reported that the isopod was bright red, around 8 cm in length, and very much alive, suggesting some form of symbiotic relationship. This dive and other findings were recorded in a 1969 article by E.G. Barham and G.V. Pickwell. Their paper identifies the resident isopod as member of the genus Anuropus. The authors also suggest that the symbiotic relationship could be parasitic.