Aquascope

Facts

Anthomedusae
(about 73 specie in Swedish waters)

Anthomedusa

Distribution
Distribution in scandinavian waters

Maximum height: 4 ,5 cm.
Appearance: The mouth is situated at the top of the tubular formationen that hangs from the middle of the "umbrella´s" underside. Along the inside edge is a peripheral crease, and the tantacles hang from the outer edge of the "umbrella". The anthomedusae tentacles are few, and the "umbrella" form is relatively high. The organs that produce eggs and sperms are placed by the mouth or on the stomach. The anthomedusae are usually transparent, although the nether parts of the mouth and the thicker areas of the tentacles are distinctly pigmented - black, brown, blue, red, yellow, green or other colour tones.
    Compare the anthomedusae with the leptomedusae and other jellyfish.
Depth: Sea-level to unknown depth.
Environment: Pelagic.
Misc: The anthomedusae catches and eats small organisms and suspended remains from the surrounding water. These medusae do not sting enough to cause discomfort to people. Representatives of the anthomedusae group are found globally. The medusae stage is part of a life cycle that is similar to the leptomedusae.
Classification: The specimen in the picture above is probably of the species Neoturris pileata. Anthomedusae are part of the hydroid group under the cnidarians.


Anthomedusae    Other names


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© Aquascope 2000   Tjärnö Marine Biological Laboratory, Strömstad, Sweden
Bo Johannesson | Martin Larsvik | Lars-Ove Loo | Helena Samuelsson