Life cycles and reproduction of Rhizostomeae

Abstract

In the present study we reviewed the life cycles and reproduction strategies of the order Rhizostomeae. We found 28 species with described life cycles representing ∼30% of the valid species. The metagenetic life cycle of most scyphozoans, which includes the benthic asexually-reproducing polyp and the pelagic sexually-reproducing medusa, is exhibited by all rhizostome species. Rhizostomeae are dioecious with only two exceptions described as hermaphroditic. Sexual dimorphism can be found in species with special external structures utilised for brooding but others show no sexual dimorphism despite the colour of mature gonads. Six asexual reproduction modes have been described for the production of new polyps but rhizostome polyps propagate through a main mode that differs among taxa. Species belonging to Dactyliophorae produce new polyps by podocysts whereas the Kolpophorae new polyps develop from free-swimming buds. The number of ephyrae formed per strobila differs between taxa with monodisc and polydisc strobilation in the Kolpophorae and Dactyliophorae, respectively. Given the low number of studied species it is expectable that new reproductive strategies will be discovered when additional species are investigated. We recommend increasing (1) descriptions on life cycles and reproductive strategies for a greater number of species, (2) attempts to locate the polyps in the field, (3) the study of species in their natural environment, to understand the population dynamics of Rhizostomeae and to clarify the potential of artificial structures to increase medusa populations. In addition, experimental studies are needed to improve our understanding of the factors affecting transitions between life cycle stages and medusa production rates.