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Proboscidactyla ornata

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description Proboscidactyla ornata Overview

Proboscidactyla ornata is a small hydrozoan whose medusa stage lives in association with the tubes of polychaete worms. The relationship is generally described as commensal: the jellyfish gains a place to live and access to food-bearing water while the worm is not treated as its prey; the species occurs in tropical and subtropical marine environments and represents an unusual tube-associated lifestyle among hydromedusae.

help Proboscidactyla ornata FAQ

What is Proboscidactyla ornata?

Proboscidactyla ornata is a small hydrozoan whose medusa stage lives around the tubes of polychaete worms. It is a jellyfish relative rather than a large free-swimming scyphozoan jellyfish.

What does Proboscidactyla ornata live with?

Its medusae are associated with the tubes made by polychaete worms. The jellyfish gains shelter and access to food-bearing water moving around the worm's tube.

Is the relationship between Proboscidactyla ornata and the worm parasitic?

It is generally described as commensal rather than parasitic. The jellyfish benefits from the association, while the worm is not generally treated as being harmed by it.

How does Proboscidactyla ornata get food?

The small medusa uses the water flow around the polychaete tube to encounter food particles and small prey. Its relationship with the worm provides a useful place to live rather than a conventional host-parasite interaction.

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