Bigelow, 1911
Description
Nectophore [N.diomedeae-necto ]: only one definitive nectophore is developed, roughly pyramidal or rhomboidal in shape, with rounded edges and a faint pattern of surface ridges. The small nectosac is offset to one side of the base, and the deep narrow hydroecium lies immediately above it. The somatocyst is branched complexly
Eudoxid [N.diomedeae-eudox ]: pyramidal bract, resembling the nectophore in appearance but more flattened. The canal system conforms to the basic prayid pattern, but each canal has several branches. The large special nectophore may be the first gonophore retained after the sexual products are released. Photo of eudoxid stage: N.diomedeae-photo .
Size
Nectophore up to 60 mm in height.
Eudoxid up to 40 mm in height.
Depth range
Mesopelagic depths.
Remarks
The Genus Nectopyramis contains a group of prayid siphonophores with asymmetric nectophores, bearing rounded ridges of serrations. The eudoxid bracts resemble the nectophores in appearance, and may bear special nectophores.
Distribution in the North Sea
Unlikely to occur in the (northern) North Sea.
World distribution
Nectopyramis diomedeae is widespread in the North Atlantic Ocean from the equator to 60°N, but more common in the warmer waters.
[After Kirkpatrick and Pugh, 1984]