ABSTRACT
The cubozoan Carybdea rastonii occurs throughout the Pacific and is very abundant in areas of South Australia. C. rastonii has been observed feeding in the field on mysids and larval fish and on Artemia and fish in the laboratory. The medusae occur in swarms and are closely associated with sand patches during the day (but are not capable of attachment like C. sivickisi) and move up to the surface at dawn and dusk. The species is dioecious and the males secrete a sperm strand that may be picked up by the female. This study provides some preliminary observations on the behaviour and ecology of the cubomedusan Carybdea rastonii to stimulate further research on the mechanisms of sensory perception within the order Cubozoa. Observations on the nematocysts and the optic system are presented along with field and laboratory observations on anatomy and behaviour. The evidence for the role of vision in cubozoan behaviour is discussed.
