Leucothea (ctenophore)

Leucothea is a genus of ctenophores belonging to the family Leucotheidae. These comb jellies are planktonic marine organisms characterized by their gelatinous bodies and the presence of eight rows of cilia, known as comb rows, which they use for locomotion.

Leucothea are found in various oceanic regions. They are distinguished from other ctenophores by specific morphological features, including the shape of their bodies and the arrangement of their comb rows.

These ctenophores are predatory, feeding on other planktonic organisms. They capture prey using sticky cells called colloblasts, located on their tentacles. The tentacles are extended to capture small animals and then retracted to bring the food to the mouth.

The taxonomy and evolutionary relationships of Leucothea, like many ctenophores, have been subject to ongoing research and debate. The classification within the Leucotheidae family and the precise number of species within the Leucothea genus can vary depending on the source and the latest phylogenetic studies.

Leucothea play a role in marine food webs as both predators and prey. Their impact on plankton communities and the wider ecosystem is an area of active investigation in marine biology.