Summary
Laboratory tests have been performed, on the behavior of the jellyfishPelagia noctiluca as a function of the water temperature. It has been found that the usual contractions of the umbrella are almost completely missing at 6°C; they begin to appear at about 7–8°C and they reach frequencies of about 10 and 40 per min at 11 and 15°C respectively. An ambient temperature of about 11°C appears to be a threshold value below which this kind of medusa ceases to move actively and sinks, while at higher temperatures it gradually begins to shift, showing a positive thermotropism in the presence of temperature gradients greater than about 0.01 °C/cm.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
Literature
F. S. Russel, J. mar. biol. Ass. U. K.47, 369 (1967).
S. M. van der Baan, Neth. J. Sea Res.3 600 (1967).
L. Rottini-Sandrini and F. Stravisi, C.I.E.S.M.M., Cagliari 1980.
L. Rottini-Sandrini, F. Stravisi and G. G. Pieri, Boll. Soc. adriat. Sci.64, 77 (1980).
A. Malej, C.I.E.S.M.M., Cagliari 1980.
E. von Skranlik, Zool. Jb. allg. Zool. Physiol.61, 296 (1948).
Annuario of Istituto Talassografico di Trieste of the National Research Council of Italy (CNR), No. 591 (1979).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
This work was supported by grant No. 80.00748.88 from the National Research Coucil of Italy (CNR).
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Rottini-Sandrini, L. Effect of water temperature on the motility ofPelagia noctiluca (Forksal). Experientia 38, 453–454 (1982). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01952634
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01952634