Callianira bialata

Callianira bialata
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Ctenophora
Class:	Tentaculata
Order:	Cydippida
Family:	Mertensiidae
Genus:	Callianira
Species:	C. bialata
Binomial name
Callianira bialata Delle Chiaje, 1841
Synonyms
Eschscholtzia cordata Kölliker, 1853

Callianira bialata is a species of comb jelly within the family Mertensiidae. Comb jellies are gelatinous marine invertebrates characterized by rows of ciliary plates, known as comb rows, which they use for locomotion. Specific morphological details about C. bialata are limited in the provided sources.

Physical description

The ctenophore Callianira bialata has a pale pink, gelatinous appearance with a lobed body resembling the interior of a walnut. In the lower half of its body, it displays two horn-like appendages, which in adult specimens are as long as the body itself.

The species exhibits two axes of symmetry and has two retractable tentacles used for hunting. These tentacles are adorned with small branches called tentilla.

If observed closely, eight vertical bands can be seen extending from the posterior part of the body. These bands contain paddle-like structures called cilia plates, which move synchronously. However, its mobility is limited, and the organism is primarily carried by ocean currents.

Unlike cnidarians, Callianira bialata does not possess stinging cells.

Ecology

The vast majority of ctenophores, including Callianira bialata, feed on zooplankton (small organisms carried by currents) and ichthyoplankton (fish eggs and larvae). They capture their prey using sticky cells on their tentacles called colloblasts.

These organisms are hermaphroditic, meaning they possess both female and male gonads. Reproduction occurs externally: individuals release eggs and sperm into the water, where fertilization takes place, resulting in the production of thousands of eggs. They exhibit a remarkable reproductive capacity.