Sea Gooseberry

Despite their delicate, almost ghostly appearance, sea-gooseberries are voracious predators, feeding on fish eggs and larvae, molluscs, copepod crustaceans, and even other sea-gooseberries (5). Prey is caught by the long tentacles, which act as a net and bear adhesive cells known as colloblasts. The tentacles are then 'reeled in' and the prey is passed to the mouth (2). This species is hermaphroditic. Breeding occurs from spring to autumn; the eggs and sperm are released into the water and fertilisation therefore occurs externally. The larva, known as a 'cydippid larva' is free-swimming. Most individuals die following spawning. This species may be preyed upon by fish and other sea-gooseberries (2).

Conservation action is not required for this common species.

Members of the phylum Ctenophora are known as sea-gooseberries or comb-jellies, and are startlingly beautiful marine invertebrates. They are commonly mistaken for jellyfish, but belong to their own group that is totaally unrelated to jellyfish (3). Pleurobrachia pileus has a transparent spherical body bearing two feathery tentacles, which can be completely drawn back into special pouches. The name comb-jelly refers to the eight rows of hair-like cilia present on the body, which are known as comb-rows. The rhythmic beating of these cilia enables the animal to swim, and also refracts light, creating a multi-coloured shimmer (2).

This species is pelagic. It may be found in rock pools when stranded by low tides, especially in summer (4).

This sea-gooseberry has an almost cosmopolitan distribution, being found widely around the world (2). It is common in the waters surrounding Britain (4).

Not threatened (2).

This species is not threatened.