| Ptychogena spp. Phylum Cnidaria / Class Hydrozoa / Order Leptomedusae / Family Laodiceidae |
Here's a jelly you don't see too often in surface waters of Central
California, but when present, it's easily distinguished from other hydromedusae. The
4 broad, bright white gonads, held in a cross pattern on the radial canals, are the most
obvious characteristic. Ptychogena is usually quite conspicuous and can be
seen from a boat with little problem. The bell is transparent and ranges in diameter
from 1 to 9 cm. Up to 500 very fine tentacles line the bell margin, with a vesicle
between each tentacle base. The squarish stomach at the center of the radial
arm cross has 4 simple lips. Two species, P. californica and P. lactea,
inhabit the waters from southern California to the Bering Sea. Off central
California they typically reside in relatively deep water, but may occasionally rise to
the surface. In the northern part of the range Ptychogena more
frequently visits depths friendly to casual observers.
All photographs © David Wrobel and may not be used or copied without permission!