Family TRIPEDALIIDAE Conant, 1897
Compiler and date details
June 2012 - Lisa-ann Gershwin
DRAFT RECORD
This taxon is under review. This record is released now for public view, prior to final verification. For further information or comment email us.
Introduction
The Tripedaliidae has not been widely adopted, but rather, has generally been considered to be within the Carybdeidae (in the historical sense). However, Gershwin (2005: 103) regarded the family as valid, comprising the genus Tripedalia and a yet unnamed new genus for the curious "Carybdea sivickisi". In this sense, the family is distinctive in having gonads that arise from the mid-point of the interradial septa, and take on a butterfly-like appearance as they grow. Both genera further have complex mating behaviours (Hartwick, 1991; Lewis & Long, 2005).
Diagnosis
Carybdeida with gonads attached along middle half of interradial septum, having a butterfly-form appearance; with rhopalial niche ostium of a shallow frown shape, with a greatly reduced lower covering scale; with single-stalked gastric phacellae; with 1 or more separate unbranched pedalia per corner.
History of changes
| Published | As part of group | Action Date | Action Type | Compiler(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13-Aug-2013 | MODIFIED |