Salinity effects on asexual reproduction of Carybdea sp. (Cnidaria: Cubozoa)

Abstract

Medusa production in cubozoans may be associated with reduced-salinity waters. Asexual reproduction of Carybdea sp. differed at different salinities. The metamorphosis of Carybdea sp. polyps into medusae was accelerated at low salinity (32), while more polyps were budded from the original polyp at the highest salinity (38), probably due to prolonged metamorphosis. High-nutrient river discharge may provide favorable conditions for Carybdea sp. blooms.