Jelly fish are among the most primitive of living organisms-they do not have brains or bone-structure and operate mainly in response to stimuli to their tentacles -but that doesn't mean they're the easiest aquatic animals to raise. Staff at the Oregon Coast Aquarium have been growing sea jellies of various kinds for several years, beginning with Oregon moon jellies when the facility opened in 1992. But according to manager Tad Smith, the science is still being perfected and in the case of the Pacific sea nettle, production has not been as good as hoped this year - so far at least. The aquarium's present population has not developed as anticipated. Staff are keeping their fingers crossed that strobilation -- the division process that produces the adult jellies -- will take place in the coming weeks so that more of the jellies can be exported to would-be customers.
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