Biology

Despite their delicate, almost ghostly appearance, sea-gooseberries are voracious predators, feeding on fish eggs and larvae, molluscs, copepod crustaceans, and even other sea-gooseberries (5). Prey is caught by the long tentacles, which act as a net and bear adhesive cells known as colloblasts. The tentacles are then 'reeled in' and the prey is passed to the mouth (2). This species is hermaphroditic. Breeding occurs from spring to autumn; the eggs and sperm are released into the water and fertilisation therefore occurs externally. The larva, known as a 'cydippid larva' is free-swimming. Most individuals die following spawning. This species may be preyed upon by fish and other sea-gooseberries (2).