Coelenterata and Ctenophora : One of the most diverse groups of organisms 

 on the island are the coelenterates. Before the island was constructed 

 there were only two species resident, with one or two jellyfish being tran- 

 sient. Now there are at least 19 species and possibly more that are hidden 

 in some of the clefts and caves formed by the quarried rock. All three 

 classes of coelentrates are represented with the anthozoa being the pre- 

 dominant form. 



While the turbidity of the water has a rather definite effect upon 

 most of the organisms found around the island, it seems to have a minimum 

 effect upon some of the coelenterates. The burrowing anemones, such as 

 CeTiantheopsis sp. and Pachyaevianthus sp. were established long before the 

 island was constructed, as well as the sea pen Stylatula sp. These animals 

 are still abundant around the island and have now been joined on small rock 

 outcroppings by the various kinds of Gorgonian coral. Turbidity appears to 

 have some effect, as the greatest number of both species and individuals is 

 found in the top 20 feet of the island reef. 



The following is a listing of the coelenterates and ctenophores 

 observed at the island: 



Table 3. Coelenterates and Ctenophores at Rincon Island 



Common Name 



Scientific Name 



Coelenterata: 





Ostrich plumed hydroid 



Aglaophenia sp. 



Elegant anemone 



Anthopleura elegantissima (Brandt) 



Green anemone 



Anthopleura xanthogrammioa (Brandt) 



Campanulate hydrozoan 



Campanularia sp. 



Burrowing anemone 



Cerianthiopsis sp. 



Pink colonial anemone 



Covynactis californioa Carlgren 



Prolific anemone 



Epiaatis pvolifera Verrill 



Purple sea fan 



Eugorgia rubens Verrill 



Pink gorgonian 



Lophogomia dhitensis Verrill 



Solitary anemone 



Metridium sp. 



California gorgonian 



Muriaea californioa Auriveillius 



Rust gorgonia 



Muricea frutioosa Verrill 





Obelia sp. 



Tube anemone 



Pachy aerianthus sp. 



Stony coral 



Paraayathus sp. 



Purple striped jellyfish 



Pelagia panopyra (Peron and Lesueur) 



Sea pansy 



Renilla kOllikeri Pfeffer 



Elongate sea pen 



Stylatula elongata (Gabb) 



Purple sailor 



Velella lata Chamisso and Eysenhardt 



Ctenophora : 





Comb jellies 



Pleurobrachia baehei Agassi z 



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