Description:
This hydroid medusa
has numerous (usually >100) unbranched tentacles originating at
the margin
of the bell
and evenly
distributed around the bell
margin. The bell
is not opaque. The tentacle bases usually have an orange
tinge but
have no ocelli.
The tentacles have no prominent rings of nematocysts.
The four broad radial
canals have jagged edges but do not branch nor do they have
prominent
lateral
diverticula. The gonads are associated with the
stomach, not
with the radial
canals. The height of the bell
is greater than or equal to its diameter and the jelly is thick at the
apex of the bell.
The manubrium
usually
has an orange tinge (this one doesn't appear to (photo)).
Bell height to 5.3 cm.
How to Distinguish from Similar Species: Catablema multicirrata has a similar shape and many tentacles but the apex of the bell usually has a large, bulbous projection and it doesn't have orange on it. Geographical Range: North Pacific (Bering Sea to Monterey Bay), Arctic, and North Atlantic oceans. Depth Range: Habitat: Pelagic Biology/Natural History:
The polyp
stage is unknown for this species. Very little seems to be
known
about its biology.
References:Dichotomous Keys:Carlton, 2007 Kozloff, 1987, 1996 General References:
Scientific Articles: Web sites:
General Notes and Observations: Locations, abundances, unusual behaviors: The manubrium
can be seen in this closeup.
Authors and Editors of Page: Dave Cowles (2010): Created original page CSS coding for page developed by Jonathan Cowles (2007) Rosario Invertebrates web site provided courtesy of Walla Walla University |