General Description
Body sack shape with a wide mouth at one end. No tentacles. Eight rows of hair-like cilia extend from the base to about three-quarters of the way to the mouth. Mature animals are pink. Body up to 15 cm long.
Biology
The rows of hair-like cilia create a rainbow effect as they beat, propelling the animal through the water. These species feed on jellyfish and are able to engulf equal sized prey whole, or tear pieces off larger prey.
Distribution
Worldwide.
Habitat
Open water, near surface to depths over 3800 m.
More Information
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Animal Type
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Animal SubType
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Brief Id
Pink, 8 rows of cilia, wide mouth.
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Maximum Size
15 cm
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Habitats
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Diet
Carnivore
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Diet Categories
Marine Invertebrates
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Hazards
Not known to be dangerous to humans.
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Endemicity
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Commercial
No
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Conservation Statuses
DSE Advisory List: Not listed, EPBC Act 1999: Not listed, IUCN Red List: Not listed
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Depths
Shallow (1-30 m), Deep ( > 30 m)
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Water Column Locations
Surface, Midwater
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Taxon Name
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Scientific Author
Fabricius, 1780
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Common Name
Comb Jelly
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Phylum
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Class
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Order
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Family
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Genus
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Species Name
cucumis
