Coe.68 Lucernaria (Stalked Jellyfish)

 

Phylum: Cnidaria

Class: Staurozoa

Order: Stauromedusae

Family: Lucernariidae

Genus: Lucernaria

Description

Lucernaria is a genus of cnidarians belonging to the family Lucernariidae. Lucernaria are cnidarians related to jellyfish but with some distinct differences. They have a stalk-like structure that attaches them to the substrate, such as rocks or shells on the seafloor. The upper portion of their body consists of a gelatinous bell or umbrella, which resembles a typical jellyfish.Unlike most free-swimming jellyfish, Lucernaria primarily remain stationary due to their stalk attachment. They have tentacles equipped with stinging cells (nematocysts) that they use to capture small planktonic organisms and other prey that drift by in the water.Lucernaria come in various colors and sizes, depending on the species. They are found in marine environments, often in rocky or sandy seabeds. While they share some similarities with jellyfish, their unique lifestyle and morphology set them apart within the phylum Cnidaria.

IUCN Status: Not evaluated