| Pegantha spp. Phylum Cnidaria / Class Hydrozoa / Order Narcomedusae / Family Solmarisidae |
Don't
count on seeing this narcomedusa very often. Several different species of Pegantha
inhabit all oceans between latitudes 40 degrees N and 40 degrees S, but are
typically found in deep water or far offshore in oceanic waters.
Occasionally though, a wayfarer may stray into nearshore waters. The bell,
diameter from 3 to 5 cm, is flattened and has a relatively thick mesoglea.
The stomach has no pouches but may extend into the bell lappets. From 12
to 40 somewhat rigid tentacles line the bell margin, with an equal number of
marginal lappets. Each lappet bears several statocysts along with linear
tracts extending from the bell margin partially up the bell. Pegantha
can be transparent and colorless, or with tinges of yellow, violet-pink or
blue.
All photographs © David Wrobel and may not be used or copied without permission!