Preliminary observations on ephyrae predation by Lychnorhiza lucerna medusa (Scyphozoa; Rhizostomeae)Erste Beobachtungen über das Erbeuten von Ephyren durch Medusen der Lychnorhiza lucerna (Scyphozoa; Rhizostomeae)

Despite the ecological and socio-economical importance of Rhizostomeae jellyfishes little is known about their feeding strategies and diet. We described the consumption of different ephyrae species by different developmental stages of Lychnorhiza lucerna medusae in laboratory conditions. This is the first report of a rhizostome medusa feeding on gelatinous preys. Besides, L. lucerna seems to be capable of avoiding cannibalism. Finally, we discuss the importance of gelatinous zooplankton as prey items for scyphozoan ephyrae, considering their limited capacity of capturing fast-escaping crustacean prey.