DESCRIPTION OF THE SKATES (CHONDRICHTHYES)

Bathyraja smithii (African softnose skate)

Maximum disc width:length ratio 1.3 times as broad as long.
First dorsal fin Separate.
Maximum angle in front of spiracles 90–100 degrees.
Snout shape obtuse.
Snout length 2–2.6 x times the interorbital distance.
Number of rows of teeth on the upper jaw 24–28.
Ocular thorns absent.
Nuchal thorns absent.
Scapular thorns absent.
Ventral disc surface smooth.
Number of predorsal caudal vertebrae 68–71.
Total length 114 cm.
Length DW 85 cm.
Maximum number of interdorsal thorns 1.
Thorns on tail absent.
Number of mid dorsal thorns 14–19.
Ventral base colour white.
Maximum number of median nuchal thorns 0.
Ventral surface ornamentation black mucous pores absent.
IUCN status Not on IUCN Red data list.

http://filaman.ifm-geomar.de/Summary/SpeciesSummary.php?id=10121&CFID=4248164&CFTOKEN=76469438

Cruriraja parcomaculata (Roughnose legskate)

Maximum disc width:length ratio 1.4 times as broad as long.
First dorsal fin Separate.
Maximum angle in front of spiracles 112–120 degrees.
Snout shape pointed.
Snout length 2.6–3.5 x times the interorbital distance.
Number of rows of teeth on the upper jaw 39–44.
Ocular thorns thorns on the inner margin of orbit present.
Nuchal thorns absent.
Scapular thorns 3 on each side.
Ventral disc surface smooth.
Number of predorsal caudal vertebrae 66–69.
Total length 55 cm.
Length DW 35 cm.
Maximum number of interdorsal thorns 8.
Thorns on tail present.
Number of mid dorsal thorns 30–45.
Ventral base colour white.
Maximum number of median nuchal thorns 0.
Ventral surface ornamentation black mucous pores absent.
IUCN status Not on IUCN Red data list.

http://filaman.ifm-geomar.de/Summary/SpeciesSummary.php?id=10122&CFID=4248164&CFTOKEN=76469438

Neoraja stehmanni (African Pygmy skate)

Maximum disc width:length ratio 1.4 times as broad as long.
First dorsal fin Continuous.
Maximum angle in front of spiracles 115–130 degrees.
Snout shape rounded.
Snout length 2.9–3.8 x times the interorbital distance.
Number of rows of teeth on the upper jaw 38–44.
Ocular thorns preorbital and postorbital thorns present.
Nuchal thorns present.
Scapular thorns 1 on each side.
Ventral disc surface smooth.
Number of predorsal caudal vertebrae 65–74.
Total length 35 cm.
Length DW 20 cm.
Maximum number of interdorsal thorns unknown.
Thorns on tail present.
Number of mid dorsal thorns 11–38.
Ventral base colour pale.
Maximum number of median nuchal thorns 4.
Ventral surface ornamentation black mucous pores absent.
IUCN status Not on IUCN Red data list.

http://filaman.ifm-geomar.de/Summary/SpeciesSummary.php?id=25558&CFID=4248164&CFTOKEN=76469438

Raja alba (Spearnose skate)

Maximum disc width:length ratio 1.5 times as broad as long.
First dorsal fin Separate.
Maximum angle in front of spiracles 105 degrees.
Snout shape sharply pointed.
Snout length 2.5–3.2 x times the interorbital distance.
Number of rows of teeth on the upper jaw 40–45.
Ocular thorns thorns on the inner margin of orbit present.
Nuchal thorns unknown.
Scapular thorns unknown.
Ventral disc surface with spinules.
Number of predorsal caudal vertebrae 62–67.
Total length 230 cm.
Length DW 160 cm.
Maximum number of interdorsal thorns 2.
Thorns on tail present.
Number of mid dorsal thorns 16–30.
Ventral base colour white.
Ventral surface ornamentation black mucous pores absent.
IUCN status Endangered.

http://filaman.ifm-geomar.de/Summary/SpeciesSummary.php?id=7613&CFID=4248164&CFTOKEN=76469438

http://filaman.ifm-geomar.de/Summary/SpeciesSummary.php?id=7613&CFID=4248164&CFTOKEN=76469438

Raja doutrei (Violet skate)

Maximum disc width:length ratio 1.2 times as broad as long.
First dorsal fin Separate.
Maximum angle in front of spiracles 72 degrees.
Snout shape sharply pointed.
Snout length 3.8–4 x times the interorbital distance.
Number of rows of teeth on the upper jaw 32.
Ocular thorns thorns on the inner margin of orbit present.
Nuchal thorns unknown.
Scapular thorns unknown.
Ventral disc surface with spines.
Number of predorsal caudal vertebrae 43–49.
Total length 100 cm.
Length DW 70 cm.
Maximum number of interdorsal thorns 2.
Thorns on tail unknown.
Number of mid dorsal thorns 13–26.
Ventral base colour brown.
Ventral surface ornamentation with black mucous pores.
IUCN status Not on IUCN Red data list.

http://filaman/ifm-geomar.de/Summary/SpeciesSummary.cfm?ID=5012&genusname=Dipturus&speciesname=doutrei

Raja miraletus (Twineye skate)

Maximum disc width:length ratio 1.4 times as broad as long.
First dorsal fin Separate.
Maximum angle in front of spiracles 110–116 degrees.
Snout shape pointed.
Snout length 2.3–3.1 x times the interorbital distance.
Number of rows of teeth on the upper jaw 42–50.
Ocular thorns thorns on the inner margin of orbit present.
Nuchal thorns present.
Scapular thorns unknown.
Ventral disc surface with spinules.
Number of predorsal caudal vertebrae 44–52.
Total length 50 cm.
Length DW 35 cm.
Maximum number of interdorsal thorns unknown.
Thorns on tail present.
Number of mid dorsal thorns 10–27.
Ventral base colour pale.
Maximum number of median nuchal thorns 0–2.
Ventral surface ornamentation black mucous pores absent.
IUCN status Not on IUCN Red data list.

http://filaman.ifm-geomar.de/Summary/SpeciesSummary.php?id=5014&CFID=4248164&CFTOKEN=76469438


http://filaman.ifm-geomar.de/Summary/SpeciesSummary.php?id=5014&CFID=4248164&CFTOKEN=76469438


http://filaman.ifm-geomar.de/Summary/SpeciesSummary.php?id=5014&CFID=4248164&CFTOKEN=76469438

Raja pullopunctata (Slime skate)

Maximum disc width:length ratio 1.4 times as broad as long.
First dorsal fin Separate.
Maximum angle in front of spiracles 92–108 degrees.
Snout shape pointed.
Snout length 3.4–4.1 x times the interorbital distance.
Number of rows of teeth on the upper jaw 53–58.
Ocular thorns thorns on the inner margin of orbit present.
Nuchal thorns present.
Scapular thorns unknown.
Ventral disc surface with spinules.
Number of predorsal caudal vertebrae 50–58.
Total length 125 cm.
Length DW 94 cm.
Maximum number of interdorsal thorns 2.
Thorns on tail unknown.
Number of mid dorsal thorns 10–12.
Ventral base colour grey.
Maximum number of median nuchal thorns 2.
Ventral surface ornamentation with black mucous pores.
IUCN status Data deficient.

http://filaman.ifm-geomar.de/Summary/SpeciesSummary.php?id=7960&CFID=4248164&CFTOKEN=76469438

Raja radiata

Maximum disc width:length ratio 1.3 times as broad as long.
First dorsal fin Separate.
Maximum angle in front of spiracles 100 degrees.
Snout shape obtuse.
Snout length 2.1–2.4 x times the interorbital distance.
Number of rows of teeth on the upper jaw 37–39.
Ocular thorns preorbital and postorbital thorns present.
Nuchal thorns present.
Scapular thorns 3 on each side.
Ventral disc surface smooth.
Number of predorsal caudal vertebrae 58–62.
Total length 100 cm.
Length DW 77 cm.
Maximum number of interdorsal thorns 0.
Thorns on tail present.
Number of mid dorsal thorns 11–19.
Ventral base colour white.
Maximum number of median nuchal thorns 2.
Ventral surface ornamentation black mucous pores absent.
IUCN status Not on IUCN Red data list.

http://filaman.ifm-geomar.de/Summary/SpeciesSummary.php?id=2565&CFID=4248164&CFTOKEN=76469438

http://filaman.ifm-geomar.de/Summary/SpeciesSummary.php?id=2565&CFID=4248164&CFTOKEN=76469438

http://filaman.ifm-geomar.de/Summary/SpeciesSummary.php?id=2565&CFID=4248164&CFTOKEN=76469438

Raja wallacei (Blancmange skate)

Maximum disc width:length ratio 1.3 times as broad as long.
First dorsal fin Separate.
Maximum angle in front of spiracles 110 degrees.
Snout shape unknown.
Snout length 2.3–3.1 x times the interorbital distance.
Number of rows of teeth on the upper jaw 59–67.
Ocular thorns preorbital and postorbital thorns present.
Nuchal thorns present.
Scapular thorns unknown.
Ventral disc surface with spinules.
Number of predorsal caudal vertebrae 70.
Total length 92 cm.
Length DW 53 cm.
Maximum number of interdorsal thorns 0.
Thorns on tail unknown.
Number of mid dorsal thorns 34.
Ventral base colour pale.
Maximum number of median nuchal thorns 7.
Ventral surface ornamentation black mucous pores absent.
IUCN status Not on IUCN Red data list.

http://filaman.ifm-geomar.de/Summary/SpeciesSummary.php?id=7964&CFID=4248164&CFTOKEN=76469438

http://filaman.ifm-geomar.de/Summary/SpeciesSummary.php?id=7964&CFID=4248164&CFTOKEN=76469438

Raja lanceorostrata (Rattail skate)

Maximum disc width:length ratio 1.3 times as broad as long.
First dorsal fin Separate.
Maximum angle in front of spiracles 66 degrees.
Snout shape pointed.
Snout length 5.2–7.4 x times the interorbital distance.
Number of rows of teeth on the upper jaw 31.
Ocular thorns preorbital and postorbital thorns present.
Nuchal thorns present.
Scapular thorns absent.
Ventral disc surface smooth.
Number of predorsal caudal vertebrae 56–57.
Total length 82 cm.
Length DW 55 cm.
Maximum number of interdorsal thorns 1.
Thorns on tail unknown.
Number of mid dorsal thorns 26.
Ventral base colour grey.
Maximum number of median nuchal thorns 1.
Ventral surface ornamentation black mucous pores absent.
IUCN status Data deficient.

http://filaman.ifm-geomar.de/Summary/SpeciesSummary.php?id=7961&CFID=4248164&CFTOKEN=76469438

http://filaman.ifm-geomar.de/Summary/SpeciesSummary.php?id=7961&CFID=4248164&CFTOKEN=76469438

Cruriraja triangularis (Triangular leg skate)

Maximum disc width:length ratio 1.3 times as broad as long.
First dorsal fin Separate.
Maximum angle in front of spiracles 90 degrees.
Snout shape pointed.
Snout length 3.9 x times the interorbital distance.
Number of rows of teeth on the upper jaw 42–46.
Ocular thorns thorns on the inner margin of orbit present.
Nuchal thorns present.
Scapular thorns unknown.
Ventral disc surface unknown.
Number of predorsal caudal vertebrae 65–70.
Total length 41 cm.
Length DW 24 cm.
Maximum number of interdorsal thorns 4.
Thorns on tail unknown.
Ventral base colour pale.
Maximum number of median nuchal thorns 5.
Ventral surface ornamentation black mucous pores absent.
IUCN status Not on IUCN Red data list.

http://filaman.ifm-geomar.de/Summary/SpeciesSummary.php?id=7959&CFID=4248164&CFTOKEN=76469438

http://filaman.ifm-geomar.de/Summary/SpeciesSummary.php?id=7959&CFID=4248164&CFTOKEN=76469438

Please note that all distribution images are that of Africa, and in some cases Africa and Eurasia. Blue points indicate distribution data points.

Descriptions from: Smith M, Heemstra P (1986) Smith's Sea Fishes. Macmillan Publishers, South Africa, ISBN 0869542664, pp 1047

INTERACTIVE DELTA KEY ON THE SKATES (CHONDRICHTHYES)

---

Key 5a. Confirmatory characters

Characters: 20 in data, 12 included, 9 in key.
Items: 11
in data, 11 included, 11 in key.
Parameters: Rbase = 1.40 Abase =
2.00 Reuse = 1.01 Varywt = .80
Characters included: 1–2 4
7–10 14–15 17 19–20
Character reliabilities:
1–20,5.0

1(0).

Maximum number of interdorsal thorns 0 ... 2 Maximum number of interdorsal thorns 1... Bathyraja smithii Maximum number of interdorsal thorns 8... Cruriraja parcomaculata Maximum number of interdorsal thorns unknown... 3 Maximum number of interdorsal thorns 2... 4 Maximum number of interdorsal thorns 1... Raja lanceorostrata Maximum number of interdorsal thorns 4... Cruriraja triangularis

2(1).

Snout shape obtuse; Scapular thorns 3 on each side; Ventral disc surface smooth; Thorns on tail present ... Raja radiata Snout shape unknown; Scapular thorns unknown; Ventral disc surface with spinules; Thorns on tail unknown... Raja wallacei

3(1).

Snout shape rounded; Scapular thorns 1 on each side; Ventral disc surface smooth; First dorsal fin Continuous ... Neoraja stehmanni Snout shape pointed; Scapular thorns unknown; Ventral disc surface with spinules; First dorsal fin Separate... Raja miraletus

4(1).

Maximum disc width:length ratio 1.4 times as broad as long; ventral base colour grey; IUCN status Data deficient ... Raja pullopunctata Maximum disc width:length ratio 1.5 times as broad as long; ventral base colour white; IUCN status Endangered... Raja alba Maximum disc width:length ratio 1.2 times as broad as long; ventral base colour brown; IUCN status Not on IUCN Red data list... Raja doutrei

Cite this publication as:
‘My_Authors (2000 onwards). ‘My_Title: Descriptions, Illustrations,
Identification, and Information Retrieval. Version: 21st September 2000. http://My_URL’. Dallwitz (1980) and Dallwitz,
Paine and Zurcher (1993, 1995, 2000) should also be cited (see References).

Index

DESCRIPTIONS OF WHALES AND DOLPHINS

Balaena glacialis (Southern Right Whale)

http://images.google.co.za/images?svnum=10&hl=en&gbv=2&q=Balaena+glacialis

Distribution Arctic and Sub Antarctica; or near the coast; or Southern hemisphere.
Conseravation status Depleted; or Endangered.
Teeth 0 number (if unknown leave blank).
Size 14–17 m.
Weight 54500 kg.
Echolocation absent.
Dorsal fin absent.
Throat grooves absent.
Colour dorsal black-blue.
Colour ventral pale black-blue.
Migration yes.
Diet copepods.
Breeding grounds South Africa.
Head contains wart-like collosities.
Distinctive characteristic none.
Snout arched.
Thoracic Vertebrae 14 number (if unknown leave blank).
Lumbar Vertebrae 12 number (if unknown leave blank).
Caudal Vertebrae 24 number (if unknown leave blank).
Pelvis vestigial.
Body robust.
Baleen plates present Yes.
Teeth present No.

Megaptera novaeangliae (Humpback Whale)

http://images.google.co.za/images?svnum=10&hl=en&gbv=2&q=Humpback+whale

Distribution World wide.
Conseravation status Depleted; or Endangered.
Teeth 0 number (if unknown leave blank).
Size 14–15 m.
Weight 35000 kg.
Echolocation absent.
Dorsal fin present.
Throat grooves present.
Colour dorsal white.
Colour ventral white.
Migration yes.
Diet krill.
Breeding grounds Tropical and Subtropical.
Head small knobs on upper jaw.
Distinctive characteristic long, narrow flippers.
Snout unknown.
Thoracic Vertebrae 14 number (if unknown leave blank).
Lumbar Vertebrae 10 number (if unknown leave blank).
Caudal Vertebrae 22 number (if unknown leave blank).
Pelvis vestigial.
Body stocky.
Baleen plates present Yes.
Teeth present No.

Physeter macrocephalus (Sperm Whale)

http://images.google.co.za/images?svnum=10&hl=en&gbv=2&q=Sperm+whale

Distribution World wide; or inshore.
Conseravation status Depleted; or Endangered.
Teeth 48 number (if unknown leave blank).
Size 15–18 m.
Weight 36000 kg.
Echolocation present.
Dorsal fin present.
Throat grooves unknown.
Colour dorsal grey.
Colour ventral grey.
Migration unknown.
Diet squid; or octopus.
Breeding grounds Unknown.
Head contains spermaceti; or enormous, blunt.
Distinctive characteristic enormous, blunt head.
Snout unknown.
Thoracic Vertebrae 11 number (if unknown leave blank).
Lumbar Vertebrae 8 number (if unknown leave blank).
Caudal Vertebrae 24 number (if unknown leave blank).
Pelvis absent.
Body very large and prune-like.
Baleen plates present No.
Teeth present Yes.

Orcinus orca (Killer Whale)


http://images.google.co.za/images?svnum=10&hl=en&gbv=2&q=Killer+whale

Distribution Arctic and Sub Antarctica; or Southern Africa.
Conseravation status Low risk.
Teeth 44 number (if unknown leave blank).
Size 7–9 m.
Weight 5000 kg.
Echolocation present.
Dorsal fin present.
Throat grooves unknown.
Colour dorsal black.
Colour ventral white.
Migration yes.
Diet squid; or fish; or birds; or seals; or dolphins; or larger whales.
Breeding grounds Unknown.
Head oval , white patch behind eye.
Distinctive characteristic gey saddle behind dorsal fin.
Snout unknown.
Thoracic Vertebrae 12 number (if unknown leave blank).
Lumbar Vertebrae 10 number (if unknown leave blank).
Caudal Vertebrae 23 number (if unknown leave blank).
Pelvis absent.
Body torpedo shaped.
Baleen plates present No.
Teeth present Yes.

Delphinus delphis (Common Dolphin)

http://images.google.co.za/images?svnum=10&hl=en&gbv=2&q=common+dolphin

Distribution warm temperate waters; or near the coast.
Conseravation status Unknown.
Size 2.5 m.
Weight 160 kg.
Echolocation unknown.
Dorsal fin present.
Throat grooves unknown.
Colour dorsal black; or pale-grey.
Colour ventral white.
Migration unknown.
Diet shoaling pelagic fish.
Breeding grounds Unknown.
Head long, narrow, pointed beak.
Distinctive characteristic criss-cross figure-of-eight pattern on the sides.
School size 1000–5000 number (if unknown leave blank).
Snout unknown.
Pelvis unknown.
Body torpedo shaped.
Baleen plates present No.
Teeth present Yes.

Tursiops truncatus (Bottlenosed dolphin)

http://images.google.co.za/images?svnum=10&hl=en&gbv=2&q=bottlenosed+dolphin

Distribution inshore; or near the coast; or Southern Africa.
Conseravation status Vulnerable; or Depleted.
Teeth 98 number (if unknown leave blank).
Size 2.6–3.3 m.
Weight 200 kg.
Echolocation present.
Dorsal fin present.
Throat grooves unknown.
Colour dorsal grey; or dark-grey.
Colour ventral off-white speckled with grey spots.
Migration unknown.
Diet squid; or fish.
Breeding grounds Unknown.
Head bottle-shaped.
Distinctive characteristic darker grey "cape" on the back.
School size 20–50 number (if unknown leave blank).
Snout moderate length.
Thoracic Vertebrae 14 number (if unknown leave blank).
Lumbar Vertebrae 15 number (if unknown leave blank).
Caudal Vertebrae 29 number (if unknown leave blank).
Pelvis absent.
Body robust.
Baleen plates present No.
Teeth present Yes.

Cephalorhynchus heavisidii (Heaviside's Dolphin)

http://images.google.co.za/images?svnum=10&hl=en&gbv=2&q=Heavisides+dolphin&btnG=Search+Images

Distribution near the coast; or Southern Africa.
Conseravation status Unknown.
Size 1.7 m.
Echolocation unknown.
Dorsal fin present.
Throat grooves unknown.
Colour dorsal black.
Colour ventral white.
Migration unknown.
Diet fish.
Breeding grounds Unknown.
Head indistinct beak.
Distinctive characteristic white lobe pointing obliquely backwards towards the tail.
Snout rounded.
Pelvis unknown.
Body thick-set; or torpedo shaped.
Baleen plates present No.
Teeth present Yes.

Lagenorhynchus obscurus (Dusky Dolphin)


http://images.google.co.za/images?svnum=10&hl=en&gbv=2&q=Dusky+dolphin

Distribution near the coast; or Southern hemisphere.
Conseravation status Unknown.
Size 1.9 m.
Weight 115 kg.
Echolocation unknown.
Dorsal fin present.
Throat grooves unknown.
Colour dorsal black; or dark-grey.
Colour ventral white; or pale grey-white.
Migration unknown.
Diet squid; or fish.
Breeding grounds Unknown.
Head very short, black-tipped beak.
Distinctive characteristic two-tone dorsal fin.
Snout rounded.
Pelvis unknown.
Body torpedo shaped.
Baleen plates present No.
Teeth present Yes.

Stenella coeruleoalba (Striped Dolphin)

http://images.google.co.za/images?svnum=10&hl=en&gbv=2&q=Striped+dolphin

Distribution warm temperate waters; or near the coast.
Conseravation status Low risk.
Size 2.5 m.
Weight 150 kg.
Echolocation unknown.
Dorsal fin present.
Throat grooves unknown.
Colour dorsal dark blue-grey.
Colour ventral white.
Migration unknown.
Diet squid; or fish.
Breeding grounds Unknown.
Head three distinct grey lines running from the eye.
Distinctive characteristic 3 grey lines running backwards from the eye.
School size 5–400 number (if unknown leave blank).
Pelvis unknown.
Body torpedo shaped.
Baleen plates present No.
Teeth present Yes.

Sousa plumbea (Humpback Dolphin)

http://images.google.co.za/images?svnum=10&hl=en&gbv=2&q=Humpback+dolphin

Distribution inshore; or Southern Africa.
Conseravation status Vulnerable.
Size 2.8 m.
Weight 280 kg.
Echolocation unknown.
Dorsal fin present.
Throat grooves unknown.
Colour dorsal dark-grey.
Colour ventral off-white.
Migration unknown.
Diet krill; or fish.
Breeding grounds Unknown.
Head long, narrow, pointed beak.
Distinctive characteristic mid dorsal elongate ridge on back.
School size 5–25 number (if unknown leave blank).
Snout unknown.
Pelvis unknown.
Body torpedo shaped.
Baleen plates present No.
Teeth present Yes.

Lissodelphis peronii (Southern Right Whale Dolphin)

http://images.google.co.za/images?svnum=10&hl=en&gbv=2&q=Lissodelphis+peronii

Distribution cold temperate waters; or Southern hemisphere.
Conseravation status Unknown.
Size 2.3 m.
Weight 60 kg.
Echolocation present.
Dorsal fin absent.
Throat grooves unknown.
Colour dorsal black.
Colour ventral white.
Migration unknown.
Diet squid; or fish; or octopus; or tiny crustaceans.
Breeding grounds Unknown.
Head white face.
Distinctive characteristic dorsal fin absent.
Snout rounded.
Pelvis unknown.
Body torpedo shaped.
Baleen plates present No.
Teeth present Yes.

References:

Branch, G.M., Griffiths, C.L., Branch, M.L., Beckley, L.E.(2002) Two Oceans: A guide to the Marine Life of Southern Africa, David Philips Publishers, Cape Town, South Africa, 360pp
Gaskin, D.E.(1982) The Ecolgy of Whales and Dolphins, BAS Printers Ltd, Britain, 459pp
Macdonald, D., Norris, S.(2001) The New Encyclopedia of Mammals, Oxford University Press, Oxford, 930pp
Purves, P.E. & Pilleri G.E.(1983) Echolocation in Whales and Dolphins, Galliard Printes Ltd, Great Britain, 261pp
http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/species/mammals/cetaceans/

DESCRIPTION OF 10 COMMON ATLANTIC OCEAN JELLYFISH

Description of Cyanea capillata

Shape umbrella.
Bell description unknown.
Bell diameter 50–250 cm.
Bell height 50–250 cm.
Bell margin scalloped.
Marginal lappets present.
Exumbrella surface unknown.
Mesoglea unknown.
Tentacles present.
Tentacle description thin; or clustered; or whip-like; or hollow; or long.
Tentacle location arise from subumbrella surface.
Mouth present.
Tiny pores "mouthlets" absent.
Stomach description unknown.
Stomach poaches present.
Oral arms present.
Oral arm description unknown.
Gonad position unknown.
Colour orange-tan oral arms.
Geographical range around South African coast none.
Synonyms lion's mane jellyfish; or red jelly.

http://www.soil.msu.ru/~invert/main_eng/photoalbum/cyanea.html

Description of Pelagia noticulata

Shape umbrella.
Bell description square hemispherical; or deep.
Bell diameter 12 cm.
Bell margin scalloped.
Marginal lappets present.
Marginal lappet number 16.
Exumbrella surface warty.
Mesoglea unknown.
Tentacles present.
Tentacle description whip-like; or long.
Tentacle number 8.
Tentacle location marginal.
Rhopalia number 8.
Mouth present.
Tiny pores "mouthlets" absent.
Stomach description unknown.
Stomach poaches present.
Oral arms present.
Oral arm description warty; or frilly.
Gonad position center of bell.
Colour red-magenta-brown spots on oral arms; or red-magenta-brown spots on exumbrella.
Geographical range around South African coast Fasle Bay.
Synonyms night-light jellyfish.

http://www.njscuba.net/biology/sw_jellies.html

Description of Eupilema inexpectata

Shape umbrella.
Bell description shallow; or hemispherical.
Bell diameter 30 cm.
Bell margin "serrated".
Marginal lappets present.
Marginal lappet number 8.
Exumbrella surface finely granular.
Mesoglea thicker in center.
Tentacles absent.
Tentacle description absent.
Tentacle location absent.
Rhopalia number 8.
Mouth absent.
Tiny pores "mouthlets" present.
Stomach description unknown.
Stomach poaches unknown.
Oral arms present.
Oral arm description fused at base; or smooth.
Gonad position unknown.
Colour variable.
Geographical range around South African coast south coast; or west coast; or east coast.
Synonyms root-mouthed jellyfish.

Taken from: Boltovskoy D (Ed) (1999) South Atlantic Zooplankton. Backhuys Publishers, Leiden, pp 868. ISBN 90-5782-035-8

Description of Aequorea conica

Shape conical.
Bell description domed apex.
Bell diameter 0.9 cm.
Bell height 1–1.2 cm.
Bell margin smooth.
Marginal lappets absent.
Exumbrella surface smooth.
Mesoglea thick.
Tentacles present.
Tentacle description thin; or short.
Tentacle number 20–30.
Tentacle location marginal.
Mouth present.
Tiny pores "mouthlets" absent.
Stomach description unknown.
Stomach poaches unknown.
Oral arms absent.
Oral arm description absent.
Gonad position radial canals.
Colour variable.
Geographical range around South African coast west coast.
Synonyms crystal jellyfish.

Taken from:Boltovskoy D (Ed) (1999) South Atlantic Zooplankton. Backhuys Publishers, Leiden, pp 868. ISBN 90-5782-035-8

Description of Periphylla periphylla

Shape conical.
Bell description domed apex.
Bell diameter 25 cm.
Bell height 35 cm.
Bell margin scalloped.
Marginal lappets present.
Marginal lappet number 16.
Exumbrella surface smooth.
Mesoglea rigid; or thick.
Tentacles present.
Tentacle description stiff; or solid.
Tentacle number 12.
Tentacle location marginal.
Rhopalia number 4.
Mouth present.
Tiny pores "mouthlets" absent.
Stomach description large.
Stomach poaches unknown.
Oral arms absent.
Oral arm description absent.
Gonad position interradial septa.
Colour red-brown manubrium and stomach.
Geographical range around South African coast west coast.
Synonyms helmet jelly.

http://jellieszone.com/periphylla.htm

Description of Chrysaora hysoscella

Shape umbrella.
Bell description flatter than a hemisphere; or shallow.
Bell diameter 15–28 cm.
Bell margin scalloped.
Marginal lappets present.
Marginal lappet number 32–48.
Exumbrella surface smooth.
Mesoglea thick.
Tentacles present.
Tentacle description hollow; or long.
Tentacle number 24.
Tentacle location between cleft of lappets; or marginal.
Rhopalia number 8.
Mouth present.
Tiny pores "mouthlets" absent.
Stomach description unknown.
Stomach poaches present.
Oral arms present.
Oral arm description narrow; or v-shaped; or frilly.
Oral arm number 4.
Gonad position stomach.
Colour brown v-shaped bans on exumbrella; or brown lappets.
Geographical range around South African coast west coast.
Synonyms red-banded jellyfish; or compass jellyfish; or sea nettle.

http://www.riminiambiente.it/index.jsp?idsection=32&idsubsection=162

Description of Solmundella bitentaculata

Shape bell-shaped.
Bell description domed apex.
Bell diameter 0.5 cm.
Bell height 0.5 cm.
Bell margin scalloped.
Marginal lappets unknown.
Exumbrella surface unknown.
Mesoglea thick at apex.
Tentacles present.
Tentacle description long.
Tentacle number 2.
Tentacle location above bell edge.
Mouth present.
Tiny pores "mouthlets" absent.
Stomach description short; or broad; or circular.
Stomach poaches present.
Oral arms absent.
Oral arm description absent.
Gonad position stomach.
Colour variable.
Geographical range around South African coast west coast.
Synonyms unknown.

http://www.medusozoa.com/hydro_pics.html

Description of Liriope tetraphylla

Shape umbrella.
Bell description flat at apex; or hemispherical.
Bell diameter 1–3 cm.
Bell margin smooth.
Marginal lappets absent.
Exumbrella surface unknown.
Mesoglea thin; or thick at apex.
Tentacles present.
Tentacle description hollow; or long.
Tentacle number 4.
Tentacle location marginal.
Tiny pores "mouthlets" present.
Stomach description small.
Stomach poaches unknown.
Oral arms absent.
Oral arm description absent.
Gonad position radial canals.
Colour variable.
Geographical range around South African coast west coast.


http://www.usp.br/cbm/pesquisa/migotto/hidromedusas.html

Description of Carybdea alata

Shape cubodial.
Bell description flat at apex; or deep.
Bell diameter 2 cm.
Bell height 4 cm.
Bell margin smooth.
Marginal lappets absent.
Exumbrella surface smooth.
Mesoglea thin.
Tentacles present.
Tentacle description whip-like; or long.
Tentacle number 4.
Tentacle location at each corner of bell.
Mouth present.
Tiny pores "mouthlets" absent.
Stomach description unknown.
Stomach poaches present.
Oral arms absent.
Oral arm description absent.
Gonad position radial sinus.
Colour variable.
Geographical range around South African coast south coast; or west coast.
Synonyms box jellyfish; or sea wasp.

http://life.bio.sunysb.edu/marinebio/plankton.html

Description of Aurelia aurita

Shape umbrella.
Bell description shallow.
Bell diameter 30 cm.
Bell margin scalloped.
Marginal lappets unknown.
Exumbrella surface smooth.
Tentacles present.
Tentacle description hollow; or short.
Tentacle location marginal.
Mouth present.
Tiny pores "mouthlets" absent.
Stomach description unknown.
Stomach poaches present.
Oral arms present.
Oral arm description v-shaped.
Gonad position stomach.
Colour variable.
Geographical range around South African coast west coast.
Synonyms moon jellyfish.

http://www.aquarium-du-golfe.com/english/wallpaper.php

Primary reference: Boltovskoy D (Ed) (1999) South Atlantic Zooplankton. Backhuys Publishers, Leiden, pp 868. ISBN 90-5782-035-8

Secondary refernce:Pages F, Gili JP and Bouillon J (1992) Medusa (Hydrozoa, Scyphozoa, Cubozoa) of the Benguela Current. Scientia Marina 56:1-64

INTERACTIVE KEY ON DOLPHINS AND WHALES

Key 5a. Confirmatory characters

Characters: 22 in data, 15 included, 8 in key.
Items: 11 in data, 11 included, 14 in key.
Parameters: Rbase = 1.40 Abase = 2.00 Reuse = 1.01 Varywt = .80
Characters included: 1–2 6–13 15 19–22
Character reliabilities: 1–22,5.0

1(0).

Colour dorsal black-blue ... Balaena glacialis Colour dorsal white... Megaptera novaeangliae Colour dorsal black... 2 Colour dorsal pale-grey... Delphinus delphis Colour dorsal grey... 5 Colour dorsal dark-grey... 6 Colour dorsal dark blue-grey... Stenella coeruleoalba

2(1).

Echolocation present ... 3 Echolocation unknown... 4

3(2).

Snout rounded; Dorsal fin absent; Migration unknown; Conseravation status Unknown ... Lissodelphis peronii Snout unknown; Dorsal fin present; Migration yes; Conseravation status Low risk... Orcinus orca

4(2).

Snout rounded ... Cephalorhynchus heavisidii, Lagenorhynchus obscurus Snout unknown... Delphinus delphis

5(1).

Colour ventral off-white speckled with grey spots; Snout moderate length; Body robust ... Tursiops truncatus Colour ventral grey; Snout unknown; Body very large and prune-like... Physeter macrocephalus

6(1).

Snout moderate length ... Tursiops truncatus Snout rounded... Lagenorhynchus obscurus Snout unknown... Sousa plumbea