Class Staurozoa

Haliclystus spp.  Clark, 1863
Phylum Cnidaria, Class Staurozoa, Order Stauromedusae, Suborder Eleutherocarpida,  Family Lucernariidae

Sessile, stalked forms; delicate vase shape with 8 oral arms tipped with clusters of minute tentacles; polyp-like in appearance, but internal anatomy medusa-like; to 3 cm tall; color red, orange, green, olive, or purple; 8 gonads clearly visible though body wall. Pictured specimen is a newly re-described species, H. californiensis.

Inconspicuous; on erect coralines & fleshy red algae at kelp forest depths in temperate waters. Feeds on small crustaceans.  

Geogr. Range: central California to Alaska
Synonyms:
Similar species: Manania has herringbone pattern & clear boundary betwn stalk & calyx; occurs farther north.