AquaNISInformation system on aquatic non-indigenous and cryptogenic species |
Species | Gonionemus vertens [WoRMS] | |
Authority | A. Agassiz, 1862 | |
Family | Olindiidae | |
Order | Limnomedusae | |
Class | Hydrozoa | |
Phylum | Cnidaria | |
Synonym (?) | Gonionemus agassizii (Murbach & Shearer, 1902) Gonionemus depressum (Goto, 1903) Gonionemus murbachii (Mayer, 1901) |
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Sub-species level (?) | Not entered |
Native origin (?) | Ocean: Pacific --> Ocean region: NW Pacific References (not structured): Tambs-Lyche H, (1964). Gonionemus vertens L. Agassiz (Limnomedusae) a Zoogeographical puzzle. Sarsia. 15:1-8 |
Life form / Life stage (?) |
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Sociability / Life stage (?) |
Comments: G. vertens is a mero-planktonic species. |
Reproductive frequency (?) | Not known |
Reproductive type (?) | Sexual References: Yerkes RM (1906) A contribution to the physiology of the nervous system of medusa Gonionemus murbachii - Part 1 - The sensory reaction of G. Murbachii. American Journal of Physiology, 6:434-449 Comments: The gonads are four yellowish structures embedded in the surface of the epidermis beneath the radial canals. The ovaries are more granular in appearance than the testes (sexes are separate). The gametes are shed into the sea, and the zygotes develop into ciliated planula larvae which grow into minute polyps. These polyps can bud off other polyps or medusa; the latter occurring typically during the spring / summer to enable individuals to capitalise upon the seasonal abundance of their zooplankton prey. |
Developmental trait (?) | Spawning References: Yerkes RM (1906) A contribution to the physiology of the nervous system of medusa Gonionemus murbachii - Part 1 - The sensory reaction of G. Murbachii. American Journal of Physiology, 6:434-449 Comments: The conspicuous stage in the dimorphic (i.e. metagenic) life cycle is the small medusa. The polyploid stage is present as a tiny solitary polyp attached to a substrate at the seabed (including mollusc shells) which feeds on protozoan and other small plants and animals. |
Characteristic feeding method / Life stage (?) |
References (not structured): McConnaughey C, Bayard H, McConnaughey E (1986) The Audubon Society Nature Guides. New York, USA: Alfred A. Knopf, 633 pp Comments: G. vertens feeds on small crustaceans, especially copepod |
Mobility / Life stage (?) |
References (not structured): Cowles D (2005) Key to Invertebrates found at or near the Rosario Beach Marine Laboratory (a campus of Walla Walla University) Fidalgo Island, Anacortes, WA Yerkes RM (1906) A contribution to the physiology of the nervous system of medusa Gonionemus murbachii - Part 1 - The sensory reaction of G. Murbachii. American Journal of Physiology, 6:434-449. Comments: It can be found attached to kelp, eelgrass, and other substrates (e.g. the shells of epibenthic bivalve molluscs) in summer; in at least partly protected waters. The gametes are shed into the sea, and the zygotes develop into ciliated planula larvae which grow into minute polyps. These polyps can bud off other polyps or medusae, the latter occurring typically during the spring/summer to enable individuals to capitalise upon the seasonal abundance of their zooplankton prey. |
Salinity tolerance range (?) | Not entered |
Habitat modifying ability potential (?) | Not entered |
Toxicity / Life stage (?) |
References: Fenner PJ (1997) The global problem of cnidarians (jellyfish) stings., UK: University of London Comments: Stings from G. vertens are unusually venomous, and dense shoals of such jellyfish in warm seas pose a danger to swimmers. A sting from G. vertens causes a burning sensation in the skin, which is accompanied by rapid blistering and local edema, followed in turn by general weakness after 10 to 30 minutes. |
Bioaccumulation association (?) | Not entered |
Known human health impact? | Not entered |
Known economic impact? | Not entered |
Known measurable environmental impact? | Not entered |
Included in the Target Species list? | Not entered |
Association with vessel vectors (?) | Biofouling Comments: G. vertens might be introduced translocated into new areas via biotic and abiotic pathways. For example, in its medusa form the species can be moved over local scales (within suitable climatic envelopes) by current transport, as for any zooplanktonic species. Areas that introduce non-native oysters (particularly from the North Pacific) for commercial purposes may be at an increased risk as the polyps of G. vertens have been shown to attach to their shells, budding off to produce new medusa if the new site is characterised by suitable environmental parameters. Deliberate introductions of G. vertens itself are highly unlikely as the species has no commercial value and is typically considered a nuisance owing to its potent sting. |
Molecular information | Not available |
Last update by | Aleksas Narščius, 2019-07-09 |