Haliclystus octoradiatus
Stauromedusae UK - An online guide to the Stalked jellyfish (Stauromedusae)
found around the coastal waters of the United Kingdom and Ireland.
Includes notes on their identification, and where and how to find them.
- Spotted kaleidoscope jellyfish*
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WoRMS taxon details for -
Haliclystus octoradiatus (Lamarck, 1816) - External Link
Please note the WoRMS page for this species is in need of an update, it also fails to report the species as being from the United Kingdom Exclusive Economic Zone.
Lateral view of Haliclystus octoradiatus
Oral view of Haliclystus octoradiatus
* The species is refered to here as the ‘’Spotted kaleidoscope jellyfish’’ here because the species from which it was separated H. auricula has recently been given the name ‘’Kaleidoscope jellyfish’’ in a national newspaper competition run in conjunction by the Guardian newspaper and Natural England. ''Spotted'' refers to the white nematocysts, clearly seen in the image to the right, their presence distinguish this species from H. auricula.
Brief Description
- Calyx, funnel-shaped, extremely variable in colour and morphology.
- Calyx and stalk (peduncle) of roughly equal length.
- Anchors (Primary tentacles), large, orbicular to suborbicular.
- 30-120 secondary tentacles in tentacle cluster at tip of each arm.
- 10-70 gonadal sacs in each gonad.
- White nematocyst clusters in both perradii and interradii. Appear as white spots, sometimes as few as one or two, especially in juveniles, but usually many more in mature secimens.
Most notable field characteristics -
Large orbicular to suborbicular anchors with few or frequent white nematocysts. Often recorded as Haliclystus auricula in error, species was separated from Haliclystus auricula in 1997.
The following paper was used in compiling the above description. Haliclystus californiensis, a “new” species of stauromedusa (Cnidaria: Staurozoa) from the northeast Pacific, with a key to the species of Haliclystus by AMANDA S. KAHN, GEORGE I. MATSUMOTO, YAYOI M. HIRANO & ALLEN G. COLLINS.
H. octoradiatus appears to be the most common Haliclystus species around the coast of Cornwall, where it has been widely recorded. It certainly appears to be far more common than H. auricula, which may prove to be quite rare indeed. There’s an acute need to draw attention to and promote accurate recording of both species from all round the coasts of the UK.
Despite probably being perhaps the most common Stalked jellyfish found on Cornish shores Haliclystus octoradiatus is largely under-recorded, and old records are very confused wth Haliclystus auricula from which the species was separated in 1996.
Haliclystus auricula, the Kaleidoscope Jellyfish, lacks white nematocyst clusters. Ref: A review of a supposedly circurnboreal species of stauromedusa, Haliclystus auricula (Rathke, 1806) by Y.M. Hirano. 1996.
The first confirmed records in the UK, since Hirano’s review in 1997, was at Crinnis Beach, Carlyon Bay, St. Austell, Cornwall, 29.05.09, and at Long Rock, Penzance, Cornwall on 17.04.11; both records by David Fenwick. Species confirmed by Dr. Allen Collins of the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History. The species has since been found to be common in Cornwall, occuring at many places around the county, on both coasts. There are currently 31 records of this species on the Cornish ERICA database up to January 2014. It must be noted that other records of the species in Cornwall are held on the ERCCIS database. Haliclystus octoradiatus had been previously been confirmed from the Channel Islands and Brittany prior to being confirmed oncemore from the UK in 2009.
The species differes from H. auricula in that it has white nematocyst clusters in both perradii and interradii; large globular, knob shaped anchors; 10–70 gonadal sacs in each gonad; with 30–120 secondary tentacles in each tentacle cluster.
Ref: Haliclystus californiensis, a “new” species of stauromedusa (Cnidaria: Staurozoa) from the northeast Pacific, with a key to the species of Haliclystus by AMANDA S. KAHN, GEORGE I. MATSUMOTO, YAYOI M. HIRANO & ALLEN G. COLLINS.
The presence of white nematocysts is used as the main characteristic in separating this species from Haliclystus auricula, the nematocysts often give the species a spotted appearance. Nematocysts are generally harder to see in smaller juvenile specimens, but may be equally difficult to see in adults on observing the species from the side, or in photographs of the side of a bell. Sometimes it is possible to identify this species from a photograph of the side of the bell, and usually if the nematocysts occur between the arms. The best view of the bell to see nematocysts is its inner face as nematocysts occur on the edges of upper arms and spaces between arms. Patience is often needed to view specimens correctly, and sometimes it is neccessary to prop-up the bell using a piece or pieces of algae so it can be studied or indeed photographed for purposes of identification. It must be noted that some specimens bear very few nematocysts, sometimes this is due to the age of the specimen and juvenile specimens generally have fewer, but in some cases medium-sized specimens may only have one or two, so careful observation is needed to find nematocysts to confirm the species, and sometimes other characteristics need to be taken into consideration.
In the field where conditions may not permit a detailed study, characteristics may include the time of year and type of algae. Larger adult specimens of Haliclystus octoradiatus are less likely to be found on the shore in mid-summer when rockpools are more congested with algae or when algae are blooming, e.g. on Japweed, Sargassum muticum, on which the species is commonly found at other times. It must be noted here that large adult specimens of Haliclystus octoradiatus, of approx. 25mm diameter across the bell, are less frequent intertidally than juveniles at any time of the year. Specimens of around 10mm in diameter across the bell, or less, are far more common.
In the summer months the species is more likely to be confused with Haliclystus auricula, which is more likely to be found from May to August, but this species is reported to prefer Laminarians, kelp; and Fucus serratus, Saw wrack. Haliclystus octoradiatus is more cosmopolitan n the algae it prefers and occurs on many red, brown and green algae, however it is infrequenty or rarely found on Laminarians and Saw wrack. In summer, juvenile, <10mm specimens of Haliclystus octoradiatus are freqently found on Ceramium species of algae that skirt rockpools near their surface. H. octoradiatus is sometimes found in reasonably large numbers, but are often missed by recorders because how well they blend in, often being the same or similar colour as the weed. Ceramium species may be very important indeed for juveniles of this species. The algae provides a point of attachment, a platform, for Haliclystus octoradiatus to feed, it may be considered a 'nurse weed' as it also provides a degree of protection. The algae might also be considered to act as a filter, providing an algal net in which young juveniles can be caught. The species should also be looked for on Ceramium species in summer where Ceramium species occur on the sides of rocks, as local currents around rocks and boulders may bring H. octoradiatus to it, the same currents may also allow H. octoradiatus to feed from it. Cladostephus spongiosus should also be considered a 'nurse weed', juvenile Haliclystus octoradiatus are frequently found on it, sometimes very juvenile specimens.
Haliclystus octoradiatus as a species is very variable in colour. A number of what appear to be morphs occur within this species, each appears to be quite distinct and found with reasonable frequency. These distinct forms vary in overall shape as well as colour. Haliclystus octoradiatus has a general tendancy to be variable in morphology, e.g. having +/- 8 arms or +/- 8 primary tentacles (anchors), 12 arms have been noticed in some specimens. The species morphology was the subject of a paper by Edward T. Browne that was featured in the Quarterly Journal of Microscopical Science in 1895, entitled "On the Variation of Haliclystus octoradiatus", s2-38:1-8. Whilst it is known that the species is variable in morphology, I have never seen or appear to be missing literature that states this species produces distinct forms or morphs. DNA analysis of these morphs at the Smithsonia Museum of Natural History in the USA, may determine whether the morphs found across the UK are from a single species or should be regarded as new species within Haliclystus. When describing the overall, or bell colour, of Haliclystus octoradiatus attention has to be paid to the opacity of specimens. The more opaque forms of Haliclystus octoradiatus may be best described as being either orange, red, orange-brown, olive-brown or locally green, the more translucent forms may be regarded as being brown and aqua, or even near white.
Feeding
Haliclystus octoradiatus was observed feeding on small invertebrates at Little London reef, near Marazion, Cornwall. 16.03.14. A juvenile specimen with an estimated oral diameter of 4-5mm was observed feeding on a small amphipod. A larger specimen was observed feeding on a Sea spider, possibly Nymphon gracile.
See video - Juvenile Haliclystus octoradiatus feeding on amphipod. 16.03.14.
Four specimens of Haliclystus octoradiatus were also observed feeding at Long Rock, near Penzance, Cornwall. 02.04.14.
Haliclystus octoradiatus feeding on Sea spider -1
Haliclystus octoradiatus feeding on amphipod -2
Haliclystus octoradiatus feeding on amphipod -3
Haliclystus octoradiatus feeding on amphipod -4
Smaller 3mm oral dia. bell of a twin-headed specimen of Haliclystus octoradiatus suddenly ejected stomach contents, probably in response to turning on a fluorescent office strip light. Contents were examined under a microscope, and the contents were found to contain a small amphipod case which contained a bright yellow ciliate protozoan, three copepods and a tanaid of the family tanaididae. 06.01.15.
Ejected stomach contents of 3mm oral dia.
Haliclystus octoradiatus 06.01.15 - all with descriptions
Ejected stomach contents of 3mm oral dia.
Haliclystus octoradiatus 06.01.15 - ciliate protozoan
Selection of images
Selection of larger images (1200 x 900), chosen to best display the species. Images taken at various locations in Cornwall in August / September 2012. All images ©David Fenwick.
3. Haliclystus octoradiatus. Lateral view of mature specimen.
Long Rock, Penzance, Cornwall. 07.05.12.
4. Haliclystus octoradiatus. Oral view of mature specimen.
Long Rock, Penzance, Cornwall. 07.05.12.
5. Haliclystus octoradiatus. Aboral view of mature specimen.
Long Rock, Penzance, Cornwall. 07.05.12.
6. Haliclystus octoradiatus. Oral view of mature specimen.
Albert Reef, Penzance, Cornwall. 08.04.13.
10. Haliclystus octoradiatus. Lateral view of mature specimen.
Long Rock, Penzance, Cornwall. 17.04.11.
11. Haliclystus octoradiatus. Lateral and oral view of specimens. Cape Cornwall, Cornwall. 21.08.13.
12. Haliclystus octoradiatus. Lateral view of mature specimen.
Cape Cornwall, Cornwall. 21.08.13.
14. Haliclystus octoradiatus. Lateral view of mature specimen.
Long Rock, Penzance, Cornwall. 09.07.13.
The habitat images above were taken by Carol Tucker and David Fenwick on days when both Haliclystus octoradiatus and Calvadosia cruxmelitensis were recorded at the sites. Calvadosia campanulata has also been recorded during late summer at both sites featured. All three are BAP species.
Macro images of Haliclystus octoradiatus
(Click on image link to view larger 1200 x 800 images)
Haliclystus octoradiatus lateral view of bell -1
Haliclystus octoradiatus oral surface -1
Haliclystus octoradiatus side view of oral surface
Haliclystus octoradiatus manubrium (mouth) -1
Haliclystus octoradiatus manubrium (mouth) -2
Haliclystus octoradiatus manubrium (mouth) -3
Haliclystus octoradiatus manubrium (mouth) -4
Haliclystus octoradiatus anchors (primary tentacles) -1
Haliclystus octoradiatus anchors (primary tentacles) -2
Haliclystus octoradiatus anchor (primary tentacle) -1
Haliclystus octoradiatus anchor (primary tentacle) -2
Haliclystus octoradiatus white nematocysts -1
Haliclystus octoradiatus white nematocysts -2
Haliclystus octoradiatus white nematocysts -3
Haliclystus octoradiatus white nematocysts -4
Haliclystus octoradiatus basal disk -1
Haliclystus octoradiatus gonad -1
Haliclystus octoradiatus gonadal sacs -1
Haliclystus octoradiatus lateral surface of bell -1
Haliclystus octoradiatus stalk and basal disk -1
Haliclystus octoradiatus secondary tentacles -1
Haliclystus octoradiatus secondary tentacles -2
Macro images of mature specimens
Haliclystus octoradiatus lateral view of bell -2
Haliclystus octoradiatus oral surface -2
Haliclystus octoradiatus bell base and stalk -1
Haliclystus octoradiatus gonad -2
Haliclystus octoradiatus gonadal sacs -2
Haliclystus octoradiatus gonadal sacs -3
Haliclystus octoradiatus anchors (primary tentacles) -3
Macro images of a medium-sized specimen of Haliclystus octoradiatus found with primary anchor tips that can be seen protruding through anchor. Not common, but not rare either but displays the variation that can be found within the species and why the species could be confused with its close relative Haliclystus auricula. Here the number of gonadal sacs and the the presence of vibrant white nematocysts were used to determine the species.
Haliclystus octoradiatus anchors 1
Haliclystus octoradiatus anchors 2
Haliclystus octoradiatus anchors 3
Macro images of a occasionally found form, pale brown in colour, but with a turquoise hue and orangey tips to the arms.
Haliclystus octoradiatus lateral view of bell -3
Haliclystus octoradiatus lateral view of bell -4
Macro images of mature specimen with 12 anchors
Haliclystus octoradiatus lateral view 12 anchor variant -1
Haliclystus octoradiatus lateral view 12 anchor variant -2
Haliclystus octoradiatus lateral view 12 anchor variant -3
Haliclystus octoradiatus aboral view 12 anchor variant -1
Macro images of juvenile specimen 3mm in length
Haliclystus octoradiatus juvenile -1
Haliclystus octoradiatus juvenile -2
(Second image taken in the field using a Pentax WGIII)
Haliclystus octoradiatus anchors (primary tentacles) -3
Junenile specimens - Chimney Rocks, Penzance. 13.04.14
Haliclystus octoradiatus aboral view from above stalk
Haliclystus octoradiatus lateral view juvenile -1
Haliclystus octoradiatus juvenile hooked stalk -1
Haliclystus octoradiatus juvenile hooked stalk -2
Haliclystus octoradiatus lateral view juvenile -2
Specimen above was observed flexing its stalk into a hooked position whilst drifting round a container. This flexing may be important in allowing the species, or indeed other species, to find a suitable point of attachment.
Haliclystus octoradiatus abnormal juvenile -1
Haliclystus octoradiatus abnormal juvenile -2
Haliclystus octoradiatus abnormal juvenile -3
Haliclystus octoradiatus twin-headed variant found at Albert Pier reef, Penzance, Cornwall, 06.01.15, by Greg Lingard of ECOSPAN ENVIRONMENTAL LTD. (Click on image links to view larger images).
Haliclystus octoradiatus - twin-headed variant 1
Haliclystus octoradiatus - twin-headed variant 2
Haliclystus octoradiatus - twin-headed variant 3
Haliclystus octoradiatus - microscope image 1
Haliclystus octoradiatus - microscope image 2
Macro images of juvenile specimen 2mm in length - image important in that it displays the developing primary tentacles very well.
Haliclystus octoradiatus 2mm juvenile -1
Macro images above taken using a Canon 550D DSLR camera, MP-E 65mm lens, MT-24EX Twin Flash, a full set of Kenko extension tubes and 1.4x Kenko TelePlus Pro 300 teleconverter. Camera setup.
Records
Records of Haliclystus octoradiatus held on
the Cornish ERICA database to January 2014
Distribution Maps and Links
Distribution of Haliclystus octoradiatus
in Cornwall from ERICA database (2km)
There is is a distribution map on the NBN Gateway for this species, however it lacks data so it is not shown here.
UK distribution maps for Haliclystus auricula may best be used to ascertain the likely distribution of Haliclystus octoradiatus in the UK and Ireland. Many or most of the records for H. auricula may well be for H. octoradiatus. As reported H. octoradiatus was lumped with the former species for a large part of the 20th Century.
e.g. records of Lucernaria auricula from Northumberland and Durham from Cullercoats and Tynemouth; on the lesser sea-weeds, in pools near low-water mark, stated as not rare. Reported from 1858 in the Tyneside Naturalists Field Club. Volume III, 1858, in an article entitled " A Catalogue of the Zoophytes of Northumberland and Durham by Joshua Alder, Esq.. Recent discoveries would suggest the species involved is Haliclystus octoradiatus. The same goes for Couch's Cornish records of L. auricula, which will no doubt be H. octoradiatus.
10km Distribution Map for UK and Ireland
for Haliclystus auricula from NBN Gateway
More information to follow.
Stauromedusae UK - Photographic Guide
- Haliclystus octoradiatus images
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