TITLE: 10. Taxon Groups: Medusozoa and Ctenophora
AUTHORS: Kesella Scott-Somme, Inez Januszczak

[DESCRIPTION]
This is part of the collection "DToL Taxon-specific Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Marine Metazoa", lead by the Other Metazoa Working Group. The SOP collection contains guidance on how to process the various marine Metazoa species within the scope of the Darwin Tree of Life project. The guidance specifically refers to the tissue samples needed for DNA barcoding (which takes place at the Natural History Museum (NHM) and at the Marine Biological Association (MBA)) and outlines the dissected tissues required for whole genome sequencing, which takes place at the Wellcome Sanger Institute. Every specimen is submitted for DNA barcoding first before potentially being sent to the Wellcome Sanger Institute.

Definition: Medusozoans are distinguished by having a medusa stage in their complex life cycle. A medusa is typically  an umbrella-shaped body with stinging tentacles around the edge. With the exception of some Hydrozoa (and Polypodiozoa), all are called jellyfish in their free-swimming medusa phase. Ctenophora, also known as comb jellies, sea gooseberries, sea walnuts, or Venus's girdles, are typically predators. Unlike medusozoans, with which they share several superficial similarities, they lack stinging cells.

Including: Scyphozoa, Staurozoa, Ctenophora, Cubozoa.

Excluding: Hydrozoa, Polypodiozoa. Specimens under 5mm. 

Please note, some medusozoan species have stinging cells. Species which are known to be dangerous to humans should be avoided unless adequate safety measures are in place. This SOP does not cover precautions against stings and other potential risks.  

See the Guidelines for important details and checklists.

[GUIDELINES]
Field sampling: 

1. Environment to be sampled: Marine

2. Trap/method of sampling: Direct removal from substrate (for stalked jellyfish/ Staurozoa (stauromedusae)) or water column. May be caught as bycatch in fishing nets, or collected by divers by hand or by net. Some may be found in shallower water, or off a marina or other structure and can be collected via net. Some species (Staurozoa (stauromedusae)) can attach to other living things and may need to be collected alongside their associated organism.

 

For genome sequencing:

3. Specimens can be sampled live. Most specimens will not survive very long out of their natural habitat and should be processed quickly, they are also easily damaged and need to be handled carefully. 

Photography:

4. Recommendations listed below:

 

5.The image should be taken in the highest quality resolution - a macro lens is recommended. The photos should be of high enough resolution to be diagnostic, when possible.  

Photograph to include a unique identifier (e.g. QR code, specimen barcode) where possible; where no voucher specimen parts are retained the photograph will serve as voucher and should include identifying features. 

 

Dissection for DNA barcoding:

6. Tentacles can be useful for barcoding. Avoid gonad and any stomach contents,  or a small section of body tissue. – rinse in filtered sea water and blot. 

Once the tissue for barcoding is removed, put the tissue in 100% ethanol. The rest of the frozen/live organism can then be dissected.  

Dissection for whole genome sequencing:

7. Use any soma/body tissue, avoiding any obvious digestive tissue, would be appropriate for whole genome sequencing. it is recommended to blot out any slime, either through rinsing in filtered sea water or blotting.

Dissect up to ten, lentil-sized pieces in separate tubes if possible.

Tissue should be frozen at at least -80°, for example in dry ice, a liquid nitrogen charged dry shipper or in a -80° freezer.

Storage of frozen tissue:

8. If barcoded tissue passes the DNA barcoding stage, subsequent frozen tissue of specimen to be sent to Wellcome Sanger Institute. 

 

9. Leftover tissue from specimens must be sent to NHM for vouchering and long term storage.

Storage of voucher:

10. Vouchers to be sent to/kept at NHM. 

11. Vouchered tissue to be eventually preserved in 70-90% ethanol.

 



[STEPS]