While other comb jellies are free-swimming, most platyctenids do not have eponymous combs. They are benthic and slug-like with a downward-facing mouth.
Platyctenids have two sticky, branching tentacles for capturing planktonic prey. They move slowly by everting the mouth and using it rather like a slug’s foot.
These comb jellies can produce both asexually with buds forming off the edge of the body, and sexually with the female retaining young in a small pouch.
Larvae can swim with the appearance of normal comb jellys, but settle and metamorphose to become benthic.
Matthew Oldfield is a freelance photographer based in Bali, Indonesia, specializing in editorial and documentary images from both above and below the waves. He works primarily with charities, NGO’s, and other organizations working to conserve the environment, endangered species, and disappearing cultures.
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