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THE JELLYFISH WITH A CONSTELLATION NAME
Cotylorhiza tuberculata is a jellyfish that has many names. “Mediterranean jellyfish,” “Fried egg jellyfish” are some of the names used to describe this peculiar jellyfish that seems to be a cross between a cauliflower, a fried egg, and a flying saucer.
However, the most fascinating name is “Cassiopea mediterranea” or simply “Cassiopea.”
This name is shared with a constellation in the northern hemisphere and a character from Greek mythology.
According to the myth, Cassiopea was a beautiful Ethiopian queen with long curly hair, whose charm was matched only by her vanity.
Her vanity, however, cost her dearly because when she challenged the sea nymphs, proclaiming herself to be more beautiful than them, they turned to Poseidon, the god of the sea, who decided to punish Cassiopea by sending the sea monster Cetus to destroy her kingdom.
To appease the wrath of the sea monster, Cassiopea and her husband, King Cepheus, decided to sacrifice their daughter Andromeda by offering her to the beast.
The situation was resolved by Perseus, who, captivated by the beauty of Andromeda, turned the sea monster to stone using the head of Medusa.
The Ethiopian queen Cassiopea, upon her death, was transformed into a constellation (Cassiopea, in fact), but as punishment for her vanity, she was placed upside down (the Cassiopea constellation forms a W shape).
What does this story have to do with our Cassiopea jellyfish?
Like the Ethiopian queen, the jellyfish has an impressive curly “mane” (the tubercles that adorn its arms), and Cassiopea jellyfish is often found upside down. Lastly, it is truly a feast for the eyes: many consider it the most beautiful jellyfish in the Mediterranean.
Year: 2020
Client: Simone Zoccante / Diorama Nature
Software: Adobe Photoshop
Dimension (for Print): —
Dimension (in Pixel): —
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All images Β© Simone Zoccante 2018-2023. Please do not reproduce without the expressed written consent of Simone Zoccante.