Nausithoe sorbei Jarms, Tiemann & Altuna Prados, 2003

Molinari, Clarissa G., Collins, Allen G. & Morandini, André C., 2023, A morphological review of the jellyfish genus Nausithoe Kölliker, 1853 (Nausithoideae, Coronatae, Scyphozoa, Cnidaria), Zootaxa 5336 (1), pp. 1-32 : 23-25

Nausithoe sorbei Jarms, Tiemann & Altuna Prados, 2003

( Fig. 15 : C–F)

Nausithoe sorbei Jarms et al., 2003: 3–8 , figs 3–5.

Holotype ZMH C11682 .

Material examined: Live specimens from laboratory culture (polyps from Gavdos island, Greece, 2005; 115m depth; H. Zibrowius col.).

Diagnosis: young medusa—transparent body with red mouth and stomach; polyp—solitary with one cup-shaped cusp per whorl.

Description: Based on original description, Jarms & Morandini (2019), and own observations on live specimens. The ephyrae are released at 4.7–5.0 mm in diameter, tentacles and transparent body with red mouth and stomach. Polyp solitary; 13.1 mm total length; periderm tube rings more prominent; 1–4 whorls per tube, consisting of a single cup-shaped cusp each.

Type locality: Bay of Biscay (400–1050 m depth).

Distribution: NE Atlantic Ocean (coast of Europe).

Remarks: Besides the original description, only Jarms & Morandini (2019) presented data on the species including observation of live specimens. Despite several attempts to raise the species in captivity, ephyrae did not grow into adults.

Figures

FIGURE 15. Nausithoe simplex (A–B) and Nausithoe sorbei (C–F). A—Lectotype NHM 1878.3.26.11a. B—Scanning electronic microscopy of internal whorl of cusps (NHM 1878.3.26.11d); image adapted from Morandini & Jarms 2012. C— Young medusa showing the rhopalium (rh) and red mouth lips (l). D—Just-released ephyra showing the coronal groove (cg) and tentacles (t). E—Polyp strobilating. F—Scanning electronic microscopy of the single internal cusp; image extracted from Jarms et al. 2003.