1 of 10
Millions of Jellyfish Species in Monterey Bay Intrigues Onlookers
A girl watches Moon Jellies swimming in a giant cylindrical aquarium on display during the preview for "The Jellies Experience" exhibition at the Monterey Bay Aquarium in Monterey, California, March 30, 2012. The new $3.5 million exhibition features 16 jellyfish species from around the world in a collection of live and interactive displays, according to Monterey Bay Aquarium officials. Reuters

From Moon Jellies to Flower Hat variants and beaded tentacles Cross Jellies, millions of jellyfish have invaded the Monterey Bay Aquarium intriguing and mesmerising visitors at the aquarium show.

Running from 31 March, 2012 till Sep 204, the $3.5 million exhibition features 16 jellyfish species from around the world in a collection of live and interactive displays, aquarium officials said.

It took a couple of years for the aquarium officials to organise the event that includes jellyfish varieties never before displayed at the place. The event offers a unique opportunity for visitors to study the life of these mysterious species, their food habits and other such aspects.

The Californian.com reported that the first exhibit is titled "Ocean Dance Gallery" and features a large wall of jellies videos, showing them pulsating and drifting with the ocean current. Here people will find the Japanese sea nettle jelly, which has 16 brownish stripes on its bell, eight stomach pouches and tentacles that can reach 10 feet long.

Prior to this, the original jellies arrived at the aquarium as a special exhibit in the year 1992. This later settled as a permanent exhibition in 1996.

Each of the different exhibit galleries at the aquarium will explore different dimensions of life as a jellyfish. The first part will study more about the jellyfish dance involving their graceful movements. Another exhibit, called "Radial Nature," introduces visitors to the distinct physical makeup of jellies.

Another highlight of the exhibition is the Jellies Light Show which reportedly showcases and re-creates how jellies produce light through bioluminescence, or chemicals produced through their body.

The "Delicate Danger" gallery, on the other hand, focuses on how jellies sting and eat their prey. This section involves an interactive video at the entrance which shows a fish trapped in a web of tentacles. A half-dozen model jellies loom above, their tentacles fused from fibre optic cables, emanating light at levels corresponding to the volume of the noise in the room.

Some jellies produce lights through phosphorescence and through movements in the water. When this occurs, it creates an effect of sparkles and explosions underwater.

Start the slideshow to catch a glimpse of the various jellyfish species that are on display at the Monterey Bay Aquarium: