Experiments in nature and laboratory observations with Nausithoe aurea (Scyphozoa: Coronatae) support the concept of perennation by tissue saving and confirm dormancy

Abstract

Stephanocyphistomae of Nausithoe aurea from São Paulo State, Brazil (in subtropical western South Atlantic wa-ters), were relocated with their substrata in nature to study their survivorship under control and and experimental series - i.e. the polyps in the original orientation and inverted, and in each series exposed and buried polyps. We found that N. aurea survives over 13 months in nature, between 1/3 - 1/4 of 268 stephanoscyphistomae as normal feeding polyps, by segmentation produces planuloids and rejuvenates the polyps - an additional explanation for clustering of the solitary stephanocyphistomae. Dormant living tissues within the periderm of the tube were considered resting stages. The results support the concept that coronates in general have the capacity to save all living tissue and transform it to the energy saving sessile stage - the perennial polyp.