Cette espèce se présente sous une forme fixée (polype) qui génère une forme libre (méduse). Le polype est blanc ou rose pâle, avec des lignes fines longitudinales sur le pédoncule ; il mesure jusqu'à 10 cm. Il est fixé dans le sédiment par des filaments racinaires. Le "corps" est allongé et forme un angle aigu basal de 60°. Il y a une couronne d'environ 80 petits tentacules autour de la bouche et un panache d'une quarantaine de tentacules longs et fins dirigés vers le bas. Une structure reproductrice particulière, les gonophores, génèrent des méduses libres à un seul tentacule. La méduse est petite (6 mm) et de couleur variable ; elle est en forme de cloche deux fois plus haute que large surmontée d'un cône pointu. Les cellules urticantes sont groupées en anneaux sur le tentacule. Au centre de la cloche, le manubrium mesure environ les 2/3 de la longueur de la cavité.
Détermination et espèces proches.
L'identification de l'espèce est relativement simple.
Période d'observation.
La forme polype de cette espèce s'observe toute l'année ; la méduse s'observe principalement au printemps et en été.
Biologie-éthologie.
La longévité du polype est de l'ordre de un an et celle de la méduse moins de deux mois. L'espèce est planctonophage.
Écologie et distribution.
L'espèce se rencontre sur des fonds sédimentaires entre 0 m et -100 m. On la trouve dans l'Atlantique Nord américain et européen, toute la Méditerranée comprise.
P. Noël(UMS 2006 Patrimoine Naturel (AFB / CNRS / MNHN)),2016
The map presents a summary at the 10 x 10 km grid of the observation data for the species transmitted to the SINP. These data have been subjected to validation filters.
Distribution map from the Atlas of Departmental Biodiversity and Marine Sectors program
Current distribution in metropolitan France
The map presents a reference distribution layer of the species at the scale of departments and marine sectors. The presence and absence data were established by expertise within a network of partners. This reference distribution is used in the validation process of the SINP data at the INPN level.
Distribution map from the Atlas of Departmental Biodiversity and Marine Sectors program
Certain presence
Corresponds to a report on the basis of at least one observation proved within a period of 10 years (20 years for little-known invertebrates) preceding the year and no presumption of extinction since obtaining the last data nor doubt on reproductive and implemented nature of this population. For migratory species, the presence indicated concerns areas of reproduction.
Probable presence
This status is based on one or more of the following criteria:
search of species incomplete but presence of supportive environments;
ecology of the species consistent with the hypothesis of his presence;
the last reliable sighting is older than 10 years compared to the reference date, no recent specific research and no presumption of extinction from that date [vertebrates, invertebrates and plants well studied (rhopalocera, grasshoppers, dragonflies ...)] ;
the last reliable observation being older than 20 years, no recent specific research and no presumption of extinction from that date [poorly known taxa: fungus, many invertebrates...].
Probable or certain absence
This point covers the absence, more difficult by nature to demonstrate than presence. This status is based on one or more of the following criteria:
intensive but unsuccessful targeted research;
lack of adequate environments;
unobserved species while its presence is easily detected;
unlikely presence for historical or biogeographical reasons.
This status must be assigned to a department in which the presence of the species is casual.
Absence due to a proven extinction
Particular case of absence due to a proven extinction less than a half century ago (older disappearances are treated as "no probable or definite").
No information
In the state of knowledge, we can not comment on the presence or absence in the current department. This is the default status when not comprised in one of the previous categories or whenever there is doubt.
French Version
