Population structure of Chrysaora lactea and Lychnorhiza lucerna (Cnidaria, Scyphozoa) in plankton samples, with the redescription of the species

Author(s)

André Carrara Morandini

• Document type: Doctoral Thesis
• Press: São Paulo.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Instituto de Biociências (IBIOC/SB)
• Defense date: 2003-10-20

Examining board members

Fabio Lang da Silveira; Tagea Kristina Simon Bjornberg; Rubens Mendes Lopes; Alvaro Esteves Migotto; Denise Navas Pereira

• Advisor: Fabio Lang da Silveira

Abstract

The population structures of the medusoid scyphozoan species Lychnorhiza lucerna Haeckel, 1880 and Chrysaora lactea Eschscholtz, 1829 were studied in the Cananéia region, southern coast of São Paulo state. The species were sampled through plankton nets, at surface water, and stranded on the beach at the southernmost area of Ilha Comprida. During the two years and nine months of collecting, no ephyra was found in plankton samples. Seasonal occurrence was observed for both species, with recruitment on spring. Large interannual variation occurrence was also observed. The gametogenesis of the species is described. The life cycle of Chrysaora lactea is metagenetic and was completed with laboratory rearing observations. The life cycle of Lychnorhiza lucerna remains unknown. Both species were redescribed based on the collected specimens, focusing on the description of juveniles. (AU)