Acquisition and use of nematocysts by cnidarian predators

Greenwood, Paul G.

doi:10.1016/j.toxicon.2009.02.029

Cited by 57 publications

(61 citation statements)

References 31 publications

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“…Aeolids retain nematocysts, which they acquire from their cnidarian prey, within their cnidosacs for defense against predators (Thompson & Bennett 1969, Greenwood & Mariscal 1984. Hence, these aeolid species have a number of protective mechanisms, such as cuticular gut linings, protective epithelia and mucous secretions (Greenwood 2009). However, three other aeolids tested, Pteraeolidia ianthina (Angas), Sakuraeolis gerberina Hirano and Aeolidina sp., did not feed on A. aurita polyps at all (Table 1).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Natural predators of polyps of Aurelia aurita s.l. (Cnidaria: Scyphozoa: Semaeostomeae) and their predation rates

Takao

Okawachi

Uye

2014

Plankton Benthos Res

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Abstract:The size of medusa populations in most scyphozoan species can be affected by the size of their benthic polyp populations, which reproduce asexually to give birth to planktonic ephyrae, but also are subject to predation by natural enemies. In this study, five gastropod species (Calliostoma unicum, Pleurobranchaea japonica, Hermissenda crassicornis, Sakuraeolis enosimensis and S. sakuracea) and three crustacean species (Rhynchocinetes uritai, Latreutes anoplonyx and Hyastenus diacanthus) were found to prey on polyps of the moon jellyfish, Aurelia aurita s.l., in Japanese coastal waters. In particular, C. unicum, P. japonica, H. crassicornis, R. uritai and H. diacanthus consumed more than 300 polyps per predator per day in the laboratory. These predators are common on natural rocky or pebbled seabeds, but are very scarce on various substrates in concrete-walled fishing ports, particularly on the undersurfaces of floating piers, where A. aurita polyps are attached in abundance. Transplanting natural predators to substrates with dense polyp colonies, just prior to their seasonal strobilation, is a possible countermeasure to prevent recurrent medusa blooms.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Natural predators of polyps of Aurelia aurita s.l. (Cnidaria: Scyphozoa: Semaeostomeae) and their predation rates

Takao

Okawachi

Uye

2014

Plankton Benthos Res

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“…The present work describes the effect of sea water acidification on cell volume regulation and discharge of Pelagia noctiluca nematocytes — two homeostatic responses essential for survival of both Scyphozoa and Anthozoa [9,22]. Since such responses are essential for Cnidarian survival, it is plausible that they may be used to indirectly assess the quality of marine water.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Sea Water Acidification Affects Osmotic Swelling, Regulatory Volume Decrease and Discharge in Nematocytes of the JellyfishPelagia noctiluca

Morabito

Marino

Lauf³

et al. 2013

Cell Physiol Biochem

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Background: Increased acidification/P_CO2 of sea water is a threat to the environment and affects the homeostasis of marine animals. In this study, the effect of sea water pH changes on the osmotic phase (OP), regulatory volume decrease (RVD) and discharge of the jellyfish Pelagia noctiluca (Cnidaria, Scyphozoa) nematocytes, collected from the Strait of Messina (Italy), was assessed. Methods: Isolated nematocytes, suspended in artificial sea water (ASW) with pH 7.65, 6.5 and 4.5, were exposed to hyposmotic ASW of the same pH values and their osmotic response and RVD measured optically in a special flow through chamber. Nematocyte discharge was analyzed in situ in ASW at all three pH values. Results: At normal pH (7.65), nematocytes subjected to hyposmotic shock first expanded osmotically and then regulated their cell volume within 15 min. Exposure to hyposmotic ASW pH 6.5 and 4.5 compromised the OP and reduced or totally abrogated the ensuing RVD, respectively. Acidic pH also significantly reduced the nematocyte discharge response. Conclusion: Data indicate that the homeostasis and function of Cnidarians may be altered by environmental changes such as sea water acidification, thereby validating their use as novel bioindicators for the quality of the marine environment.

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“…They could be produced de novo or taken up via prey diet. A fascinating phenomenon in nudibranchs is the ingestion of unfired nematocysts (kleptocnides) derived from cnidarian food, and their incorporation into the cerata (Greenwood 2009). Up to now in most cases it is not clear whether the toxins Fig.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Endobacteria in the tentacles of selected cnidarian species and in the cerata of their nudibranch predators

2011

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This is the first genetic analysis comparing cultured endobacteria discovered in the tentacles of cnidarian species (Tubularia indivisa, Tubularia larynx, Corymorpha nutans, Sagartia elegans) with those found in the cerata tips of selected nudibranch species (Berghia caerulescens, Coryphella lineata, Coryphella gracilis, Janolus cristatus, Polycera faeroensis, Polycera quadrilineata, Doto coronata, Dendronotus frondosus). Shared pathogenic activities were found among other microorganisms in the Pseudoalteromonas tetraodonis group (TTX), and the Vibrio splendidus group (haemolytic, septicaemic, necrotic activity). Specific autochthonous endobacteria of extremely low similarity to their next neighbours were detected in nudibranch cerata. These organisms are regarded as new and unknown endobacteria; among them were Pseudoalteromonas luteoviolacea (95%), Orientia tsutsugamushi (84%), Gracilimonas tropica (96%), Balneola alkaliphia (95%), Loktanella rosea (97%). SEM micrographs provide insight into endobacterial aggregates in cnidarian tentacles and nudibranch cerata. Since certain nudibranch predators prey on cnidarian species, it is assumed that cnidarian tentacle bacteria are directly transferred to nudibranch cerata. The pathogenic endobacteria may contribute to the chemical defence of both the nudibranch and cnidarian species investigated.

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Acquisition and use of nematocysts by cnidarian predators

Cited by 57 publications

References 31 publications

Natural predators of polyps of Aurelia aurita s.l. (Cnidaria: Scyphozoa: Semaeostomeae) and their predation rates

Natural predators of polyps of Aurelia aurita s.l. (Cnidaria: Scyphozoa: Semaeostomeae) and their predation rates

Sea Water Acidification Affects Osmotic Swelling, Regulatory Volume Decrease and Discharge in Nematocytes of the JellyfishPelagia noctiluca

Endobacteria in the tentacles of selected cnidarian species and in the cerata of their nudibranch predators

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