Evergreen Natural History Database

Common name(s): none

Size:
The appearance of Euphysa flammea has a bell that is transparent with 4 tentacles that can be white or light yellow in color. The manubrium is orange where the gonads are visibly red-orange. The bell is about 12 mm long with 4 tentacles that may vary in length.

Range:
Can be found from Alaska to California.

Habitat:
There are four species of Euphysa, some are found in shallow waters and some are found in the deep ocean. Euphysa flammea has beenfound in Puget Sound.

Misidentifications:
Euphysa japonica is another hydrozoa found in Puget Sound. They are similar in appearance. The difference is determined during the early stages of development and in the structure of the reproductive organs. When Euphysa japonica is released from the polyp, it has four equal tentacles. The other three species do not have four equal tentacles when released from the polyp. The reproductive organs of Euphysa japonica are grouped in different areas of the organism. Some are found in the manubrium and some are found outside of the manubrium.

Life History:
This hydrozoan has one tentacle when released from the polyp. It develops the 3 remaining tentacles as it grows. The reproductive organs of Euphysa flammea are grouped together over the walls of the manubrium. Another distinguishing characteristic of Euphysa flammea is that it lacks ocelli. It has a velum, thin tissue lining the edges of the bell, that is used for movement in the water. There have been no detailed studies done on the life history of Euphysa flammea.

Natural History:
Euphysa flammea is most abundant in May and June. They are carnivores using their tentacles to capture prey. These tentacles are also used for defense.

Predators:
Aurelia aurita and other gelatinous invertebrates.

Additional Resources:
Video of E. flammea

Links:
Photo of E. flammea
Photo of E. flammea

Suggested Reading:
Seasonal Occurrence of Planktonic Medusae and Ctenophores in the San Juan Archipelago (NE Pacific) by Claudia E. Mills

Last updated Monday, August 21, 2006, by Lisa Ferrier