Annatiara affinis ( Hartlaub, 1914 )

Buecher, Emmanuelle, Goy, Jacqueline, J, Mark & Gibbons, 2005, Hydromedusae of the Agulhas Current, African Invertebrates 46, pp. 27-69 : 42

Annatiara affinis ( Hartlaub, 1914)

Tiaranna affinis: Hartlaub 1914: 269 , figs 220, 221.

Annatiara affinis: Russell 1953: 200–203 , figs 101, 102; Kramp 1961: 96; 1968: 48, fig. 125.

Description: Two specimens from two stations. Bell-shaped umbrella, as broad as tall, without apical projection, up to 1.4 mm in height. Exumbrella surface smooth but with many cnidocyst tracks. Mesoglea thick. Velum broad. Peripheral canal and four broad radial canals present; no centripetal canals or mesenteries. Up to 36 tentacles, arising from laterally compressed bulbs on umbrella margin, large, hollow; each alternating regularly with smaller tentacle. Manubrium short, very broad, cross-shaped in section; with four enlarged perradial lobes closely connected to radial canals proximally. Mouth broad, simple, with four prominent, crenulated lips; without gastric peduncle. With minute ocelli at base of all tentacles. Gonads interradial, irregularly folded, on stomach walls and extending along sides of perradial manubrial lobes.

Material examined: H5019.

Comments: This is the only species in this genus.

Distribution: Widespread in tropical and temperate waters, rare. This is the first record from the west Indian Ocean. Bathypelagic.