Cydippida

ctenophore order

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June 25, 2026

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Cydippida is an order within the phylum Ctenophora, commonly known as comb jellies. These marine invertebrates are characterized by rows of ciliary combs that they use for locomotion. Cydippida specifically refers to comb jellies that possess two long, slender tentacles and unbranched vessels.12

A "cydippid" can also refer to a larval stage of a comb jelly that resembles an adult of the Cydippida order. These larvae often have two retractable, branched tentacles equipped with adhesive cells called colloblasts, which are unique to ctenophores and used for capturing prey. While most ctenophores are carnivorous, feeding on planktonic animals, they are also prey for certain fish.31

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ctenophore
Natural history.
In Pleurobrachia and in other Cydippida, the larva closely resembles the adult, so that there is little change with maturation. Most ctenophores, however, have a so-called cydippid larva, which is ovoid or spherical with two retractable tentacles. The metamorphosis of the globular cydippid larva into an adult is direct in…
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In Pleurobrachia and in other Cydippida, the larva closely resembles the adult, so that there is little change with maturation. Most ctenophores, however, have a so-called cydippid larva, which is ovoid or spherical with two retractable tentacles. The metamorphosis of the globular cydippid larva into an adult is direct in…
Read More