Periphyllopsis braueri is a red-colored deep-sea jellyfish belonging to the order Coronatae (crown jellies) within the phylum Cnidaria. It is one of two recognized species in the genus Periphyllopsis.
Taxonomy and Naming
The species was first described in 1902 by German zoologist Dr. Ernst Vanhöffen, based on fragments of an animal collected in the Indian Ocean near the Cocos (Keeling) Islands during the "Valdivia" Expedition of 1898–1899. It was named after Vanhöffen's colleague, Dr. August Brauer, who participated in the same expedition.
Description
Periphyllopsis braueri is a notably large crown jelly with a distinctive red coloration. According to SeaLifeBase, it measures approximately 6 cm in width and 2.5 cm in height, with a flattened bell shape. It has a deep ring furrow, a very weak coronal muscle, and eight equidistant oval gonads. The entire endodermal system is described as chocolate-red. In Japanese, it is colloquially known as the "red steamed bun jelly," referring to its appearance.
Distribution and Rarity
The species inhabits deep-sea environments and has been documented only approximately 18 times due to the depths at which it resides. Recorded locations include areas off the coast of Florida, Japan, the Gulf of Alaska, and the Indian Ocean near the Cocos Islands.
Ecology and Behavior
Like several related species, Periphyllopsis braueri is capable of bioluminescence. In response to stimulus, it emits rapidly pulsating light from multiple sites and can expel luminous material into the surrounding water. This reaction is similar to that of the related species Periphylla periphylla.
Predation
The seven-arm octopus (Haliphron atlanticus) has been observed preying on Periphyllopsis braueri.
Classification
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Cnidaria
- Class: Scyphozoa
- Order: Coronatae
- Family: Periphyllidae
- Genus: Periphyllopsis
- Species: Periphyllopsis braueri Vanhöffen, 1902
