MSc Student
Advisor: Andreas Wanninger

Unit for Integrative Zoology, Department of Evolutionary Biology
University of Vienna

Abstract:

Cassiopea xamachana, (Cnidaria: Scyphozoa, Rhizostomeae) is a mangrove-inhabiting jellyfish. Adult medusae are semi sessile, with the oral side facing upwards. The bell of the medusa forms a suction cup that reversibly attaches the jellyfish to the sea floor, thereby exposing the algae symbionts, that are embedded in the oral arms, to direct sunlight. The life cycle of Cassiopea includes sexual reproduction via planula larvae as well as two modes of asexual propagation. The latter includes monodisc strobilation that results in an ephyra larva typical for scyphozoans, as well as asexual budding. Thereby, ciliated buds are released from the sessile polyp and metamorphose into a new polyp. The goal of my research is to describe and compare the nervous system in the planuloid buds and in the planula larvae by immunofluorescence labeling and confocal microscopy. Neurogenesis will be followed throughout development and metamorphosis with special focus on similarities and differences between both developmental pathways.