Systematics and Biogeography of the JellyfishAurelia labiata(Cnidaria: Scyphozoa)

• DOI: 10.2307/1543531
• Publication Date: 2007-01-23T05:42:39Z
• Authors: Lisa-ann Gershwin
• Keywords: Aurelia aurita; Scyphozoa

The hypothesis that the common eastern North Pacific Aurelia is A. aurita falsified with morphological analysis. name labiata resurrected, and species redescribed, to refer medusae differing from by a suite of characters related broad elongated manubrium. Specifically, oral arms are short, separated arising base fleshy manubrium, planulae brooded upon manubrium itself, rather than on arms. possesses no corresponding enlarged structure. Furthermore, number radial canals typically much greater in labiata, thus often appear more anastomosed aurita. Finally, most possess 16-scalloped bell margin, whereas margin 8-scalloped Separation two forms has previously been noted basis allozyme isozyme analyses histology neuromuscular system. Partial 18S rDNA sequencing corroborates these findings. Three distinct morphotypes separate marine bioprovinces, have identified among 17 populations San Diego, California, Prince William Sound, Alaska. long-undisputed limbata may be simply color morph or within yet-unelaborated complex. first known introduction cf. into southern California waters documented. Although traditional jellyfish taxonomy tends recognize many as cosmopolitan nearly so, results indicate coastal species, such experience rapid divergence isolated populations, should therefore scrutinized special care.