ctenophore Beroe cucumis

Beroe cucumis is found worldwide [1]. B. cucumis can be pinkish and up to fifteen centimeters long [1].


The prey of Beroe cucumis includes the lobate ctenophore Bolinopsis infundibulum [3]. Beroe species can completely engulf prey as large as themselves; larger prey are bitten into pieces with bundles of fused cilia lining the inner lips [1].



Beroe cucumis has been observed making vertical diel migrations [2].


Ctenophores are commonly known as comb jellies, are biradially symmetrical with a transparent gelatinous ectomesoderm containing muscle fibers, have a nervous system and a separate muscular system, and have eight ciliary comb rows [1].



Ctenophores combs propel their movement; the comb rows beat in a regular sequence starting from the aboral end (away from the mouth) thus propelling the ctenophore with its mouth forward [1].

1: Guide to the Ctenophores of the Southern Ocean and Adjacent Waters. D O'Sullivan. ANARE Research Notes No.36. Kingston, Tasmania : Australian National Antarctic Research Expeditions, 1986; 2: Progress in Oceanography 13(3-4):425-460, 1984; 3: Sarsia 72(1):41-48, 1987

Text ©Peter Brueggeman. Photographs ©Jim Mastro, Rob Robbins, & M Dale Stokes. Photographs may not be used in any form without the express written permission of Jim Mastro, Rob Robbins & M Dale Stokes.