Tall Top or Long Spur Jelly, Leuckartiara longicalcar

This is a recently described species has long been thrown into the general category of “Tall-top jellies.”  There is an undeniable similarity to the Catablema vesicarium ssp. nodulosum, and other Leukartiara species, however there are some notable differences.  C.E. Mills explains that the name longicalcar refers to the “long “spurs” that run a couple of mm up the outside of the bell from the larger tentacles.  This species also has this characteristic elongate gelatinous protuberance on top of the bell.”  Common names are the bane of scientists and those involved in biodiversity studies, but I have taken the liberty of giving this species the common name Long Spur Jelly to separate it from the other “tall tops” mentioned above — and to make it easier to remember.  Many of the smaller individuals seem to have a darker hue to their stomach and gonads and I often find this species by first noticing a tiny red dot moving up and down the water column — a consultation with my camera is often necessary to establish what I’m actually taking a photo of!