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Ctenophore |
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The Ctenophora is a small phylum of marine animals that are commonly known as sea walnuts or comb jellies. The phylum contains approximately 90 species, some of which are abundant in coastal waters including the north Atlantic coast. Ctenophores are radially symmetrical, and the general body plan is somewhat similar to that of a medusa (jellyfish). Ctenophores are usually transparent, but various structures such as the tentacles and comb rows may be tinged with white, orange, or purple. The combs are arranged in succession one behind the other to form a comb row. The combs provide the locomotor power in ctenophores, although lobate forms can also swim by contractions of the lobes. They are carnivorous, feeding on small planktonic animals. Ctenophores are noted for their luminescence, which is probably characteristic of the phylum as a whole. Light production takes place in the walls of the meridional canals, so that externally the light appears to emanate from the comb rows.
Reference: Invertebrate Zoology by Robert D. Barnes, Ph.D. | |
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