Cdogsailr
New member
I'm curious to know how many of you reef keepers out there are hosting comb jellies?
It took me some effort to identify mine and I've not seen much forum traffic on them. Many experienced reefers I spoke with had heard of them but few are knowledgeable or even seen one.
The following is about the most scientific info I've seen on them;
"Vallicula multiformis is a benthic ctenophore, found on algae, rocks or under other organisms. It is possibly common in the region, but infrequently encountered due to its cryptic habits. The adult has no ctene rows and at first look it resembles a flatworm, except for the two long extendable and branched tentacles. Specimens reach about 12 mm in length. The species occurs in tropical and subtropical Atlantic."
My comb jelly resides underneath my plate coral and is not readily visible when the plate is turned over. It looks like a thin slime layer about 12mm across. When it extends its comb-like tentacles it has the appearance of fly fishing. Two tentacles are extend (cast) rather quickly and take advantage of moderate water flow. They reach out about 12" to 18" wherever the flow takes them, drift around a bit and then quickly "reeled" back in and then it starts over again. This is how they filter feed. These tentacles have touched nearly every coral in my tank without any effect. They even drift through and are retracted through my coco worm feathers without disturbing it.
Recent studies published by National Geographic show it is a most bizarre animal.
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/...tenophores-oldest-animal-family-tree-science/
I've attached a couple pictures of mine engaging in "fly fishing" (sorry the tentacles are very fine and often hard to see). I've also attached a scientific photo of the comb jellies body.
Would love to hear how many of you have one?
It took me some effort to identify mine and I've not seen much forum traffic on them. Many experienced reefers I spoke with had heard of them but few are knowledgeable or even seen one.
The following is about the most scientific info I've seen on them;
"Vallicula multiformis is a benthic ctenophore, found on algae, rocks or under other organisms. It is possibly common in the region, but infrequently encountered due to its cryptic habits. The adult has no ctene rows and at first look it resembles a flatworm, except for the two long extendable and branched tentacles. Specimens reach about 12 mm in length. The species occurs in tropical and subtropical Atlantic."
My comb jelly resides underneath my plate coral and is not readily visible when the plate is turned over. It looks like a thin slime layer about 12mm across. When it extends its comb-like tentacles it has the appearance of fly fishing. Two tentacles are extend (cast) rather quickly and take advantage of moderate water flow. They reach out about 12" to 18" wherever the flow takes them, drift around a bit and then quickly "reeled" back in and then it starts over again. This is how they filter feed. These tentacles have touched nearly every coral in my tank without any effect. They even drift through and are retracted through my coco worm feathers without disturbing it.
Recent studies published by National Geographic show it is a most bizarre animal.
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/...tenophores-oldest-animal-family-tree-science/
I've attached a couple pictures of mine engaging in "fly fishing" (sorry the tentacles are very fine and often hard to see). I've also attached a scientific photo of the comb jellies body.
Would love to hear how many of you have one?
