10. Taxon Groups: Medusozoa and Ctenophora

This is part of the collection "DToL Taxon-specific Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Marine Metazoa", lead by the Other Metazoa Working Group. The SOP collection contains guidance on how to process the various marine Metazoa species within the scope of the Darwin Tree of Life project. The guidance specifically refers to the tissue samples needed for DNA barcoding (which takes place at the Natural History Museum (NHM) and at the Marine Biological Association (MBA)) and outlines the dissected tissues required for whole genome sequencing, which takes place at the Wellcome Sanger Institute. Every specimen is submitted for DNA barcoding first before potentially being sent to the Wellcome Sanger Institute.

Definition: Medusozoans are distinguished by having a medusa stage in their complex life cycle. A medusa is typically an umbrella-shaped body with stinging tentacles around the edge. With the exception of some Hydrozoa (and Polypodiozoa), all are called jellyfish in their free-swimming medusa phase. Ctenophora, also known as comb jellies, sea gooseberries, sea walnuts, or Venus's girdles, are typically predators. Unlike medusozoans, with which they share several superficial similarities, they lack stinging cells.

Including: Scyphozoa, Staurozoa, Ctenophora, Cubozoa.

Excluding: Hydrozoa, Polypodiozoa. Specimens under 5mm.

Please note, some medusozoan species have stinging cells. Species which are known to be dangerous to humans should be avoided unless adequate safety measures are in place. This SOP does not cover precautions against stings and other potential risks.

See the Guidelines for important details and checklists.