New Zealand Coelenterates Ctenophores from Cook Strait
Cestum veneris Lesueur, 1813
Cestum veneris Lesueur, 1813.
On five occasions during prolonged calm weather, specimens of this ctenophore were seen. Specimens were taken on March 9th from water 15.5°C. and on May 13th from water 12.25°C. and on this later date the species was plentiful, page 10 almost sufficient to be called a swarm. They were mostly between 100 and 200 mm. long. The specimens taken were sketched in the living condition and were found on comparison with figures given by Mayer (1912) and Chun (1880) to be identical with C. veneris. All specimens were colourless and were smaller than those recorded by Mayer. The largest New Zealand specimen taken was about 350 mm. long and the smallest 10 mm., whereas Mayer records a size range between 800 and 1500 mm.