Plankton Portal Talk

Thalasso, lobate, or cydippid? How do you distinguish?

  • Irukandji37 by Irukandji37

    Is this one of those, and what are some distinguishing features for each?

    Posted

  • jessicaluo by jessicaluo scientist, admin

    Really great that you are picking up on that these three guys are related!! they are all ctenophores. I would mark this guy as a #cydippid. Thalasso is the most rare. Don't mark something as thalasso unless you're absolutely sure. Lobate is the most common, but they tend to be asymmetrical in their shape (at least in our images). Cydippids tend to have tentacles but sometimes they can be retracted. Even with tentacles retracted they have a distinct shape. They are likely to be symmetrical, like a bean or bigger like an American football. It's difficult but it already seems like you're picking up on it.

    @bgrassian can also elaborate if needed

    Posted

  • Irukandji37 by Irukandji37

    Thank you Jessica!

    Posted