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Behavioural and ultrastructural studies on the sedentary platyctenean ctenophore Vallicula multiformis

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Abstract

Behaviour and its structural basis were investigated in Vallicula multiformis. V. multiformis only extends the tentacles and tentilla in flowing water, suggesting that extension is generated by water flow induced drag forces. Ultrastructural observations indicate that protrusion which precedes extension results from rebound elasticity of coiled mesogloeal fibrils, compressed by contraction of mesogloeal muscles responsible for active tentacle contraction. Traction during gliding and creeping movements is produced by ciliated epidermal cell activity. The tentillar epidermis is composed of colloblasts, supporting cells and sensory projections containing secretory cells and 2 types of receptor cells. The colloblasts appear very similar to those of other ctenophores.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Biosphere Sciences, King's College London, Campden Hill Road, W8 7AH, London, UK

    R. H. Emson & P. J. Whitfield

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  1. R. H. Emson
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  2. P. J. Whitfield
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Emson, R.H., Whitfield, P.J. Behavioural and ultrastructural studies on the sedentary platyctenean ctenophore Vallicula multiformis . Hydrobiologia 216, 27–33 (1991). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00026439

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00026439

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