In Spring, upwelling currents bring deep seawater close to the surface near the Japanese coast, carrying strange life forms rarely seen by humans. Underwater photographer Kei Nomiyama has been snapping these weird characters around Omi Island at night since 2010. On the far left is a phyllosoma, the larva of a spiny or slipper lobster, hitching a ride on a jellyfish. Phyllosomas feed on jellyfish, starting with the tentacles. They rest occasionally but remain clinging to the jellyfish's "umbrella" until they have consumed the entire body. They can even eat highly venomous species such as Portuguese man-of-war without coming to harm, though no one knows how they evolved to tolerate the venom. They also sometimes ride on large jellyfish without eating them, to save energy while getting around. Later in life, they settle down on the sea floor to become hard-shelled adults.
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