Corymorpha gracilis

Fig. 25 A-B

16 S Data: A blastn search in GenBank using the sole 16 S indicated Corymorpha nutans as best match, although with only 89 % identity. This species was followed by other Corymorpha and Aplanulata species with similar low identity scores.

Observations: Umbrella bell-shaped, height 4 to 6 mm, about two times higher than wide, with very large, pointed apical process, often of the same size as the umbrella. No gastric peduncle. Manubrium tubular with some tapering towards mouth, length about 1 / 2 to 4 / 5 of the subumbrellar height, with long, conspicuous apical canal entering apical process (Fig. 25 A-B), distal end often somewhat thickened and yellow in colour. Gonads wrapping manubrium entirely without perradial interruptions. Marginal tentacles of distinct types, one long, extensible tentacle with up to 7 large, oblong nematocyst clusters encircling tentacle entirely, some smaller annular nematocyst, clusters can be present, terminal cluster oblong and slightly thicker than annular ones. The annular clusters may be absent and only a few small clasping clusters can be present (likely in regeneration after tentacles loss). Other tentacles reduced to mere cones, the one opposite the longer tentacle about twice as long as the other two. Radial canals fine, but well visible due to white-yellowish pigmentation. Gastrodermis of tentacles with some red hues.

Remarks: The specimen depicted by Pagès et al. (1992) and identified as Euphysora gracilis (syn. Corymorpha gracilis) lacked the typical large apical projection with the gastrodermal process in it. It is therefore not unambiguously attributable to Corymorpha gracilis.

Distribution: Atlantic cost of the USA from New England to Florida (Brooks, 1883; Kramp 1959); Brazil (Kramp, 1959; Nagata et al., 2014); South Atlantic (Goy, 1979). Doubtful records from the Benguela current (Pagès et al., 1992). Type locality: USA, North Carolina, Newport River.

Examined material: BFLA 4368; 1 specimen; size 4 mm; preserved in ethanol for DNA extraction; 16 S sequence MW 528715. – BFLA 4401; 1 specimen; size 6 mm; preserved in ethanol for DNA extraction; 16 S sequence identical to MW 528715.