Solmissus

Characteristics

Solmissus species are relatively small, with bell diameters ranging from a few centimeters to a few inches. They possess a distinctive dome-shaped bell, often with a central, raised area resembling a yolk. The bell is usually transparent or translucent, with radial canals and tentacles that extend from the margin of the bell. The tentacles are typically short and numerous, and they are armed with stinging nematocysts used for capturing prey.

One of the most notable features of Solmissus is their lack of a traditional polyp stage in their life cycle. Instead, they reproduce asexually by budding, producing miniature versions of themselves directly from the parent jellyfish.

Environments

Solmissus species are found in warm, shallow waters of tropical and subtropical regions. They are typically associated with coastal environments, often inhabiting estuaries, lagoons, and bays. They can also be found in open waters, but they are generally more abundant in areas with high levels of nutrients and plankton.

Species

Several species of Solmissus have been identified, including:

• Solmissus albescens
• Solmissus krohnii
• Solmissus macra
• Solmissus marshalli
• Solmissus papillata

References

For further information, please refer to the following sources:

• World Register of Marine Species
• Asexual reproduction in Solmissus (Scyphozoa, Solmissidae)
• The Scyphomedusa Solmissus krohnii (Haeckel) from the Gulf of Mexico