Organ-like gonads, complex oocyte formation, and long-term spawning in Periphylla periphylla (Cnidaria, Scyphozoa, Coronatae)

An account is given about the development of the gametes of the holopelagic coronate scyphomedusa Periphylla periphylla (Péron and Lesueur 1809). The gonads of the species are complex and differ from those thus far described in Scyphozoa in having this characteristic composition of trophocytes, foll...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Marine biology 2010-03, Vol.157 (3), p.527-535
Main Authors: Tiemann, Henry, Jarms, Gerhard
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animal and plant ecology
Animal, plant and microbial ecology
Biological and medical sciences
Biological research
Biology, Experimental
Biomedical and Life Sciences
Cnidaria
Cnidaria. Ctenaria
Coronatae
Females
Freshwater & Marine Ecology
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Germ cells
Gonads
Invertebrates
Life Sciences
Marine
Marine & Freshwater Sciences
Marine biology
Medusozoa
Microbiology
Oceanography
Original Paper
Periphylla
Periphylla periphylla
Scanning electron microscopy
Scyphomedusa
Scyphozoa
Sea water ecosystems
Sinuses
Spawning
Studies
Synecology
Zoology
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:An account is given about the development of the gametes of the holopelagic coronate scyphomedusa Periphylla periphylla (Péron and Lesueur 1809). The gonads of the species are complex and differ from those thus far described in Scyphozoa in having this characteristic composition of trophocytes, follicle cells, gamete-releasing pores, mucus cells, and resorption cells. Our results differ from those of previous coronate studies with respect to the contact of the oocytes with the gonad tissue throughout the duration of development. Among the Medusozoa, follicle cells have thus far been considered as an apomorphy for the Staurozoa, but their presence in the Scyphozoa casts some doubts on this assumption. From morphological structure and examination of the gonads and gametes, it can be deduced that P. periphylla has true organs and that gamete release is continuous. These results supplement our knowledge of the reproductive biology of this mesopelagic species.
ISSN:0025-3162
1432-1793
DOI:10.1007/s00227-009-1338-3