Nausithoe aurea n. sp. (Scyphozoa: Coronatae: Nausithoidae), a species with two pathways of reproduction after strobilation: sexual and asexual

Nausithoe aurea, a new species of scyphozoan Coronatae, is described from São Paulo State, Brazil. The solitary scyphistomae, with some zooxanthellae, strobilated producing planuloids and medusae; this represents an intermediate life cycle between that of metagenetic Nausithoidae and the submarine cave-dwelling, reduced medusa stage of Nausithoe planulophora (Werner, 1971). The periderm tube of the scyphistomae has 16 internal cusps in all whorls. The medusae present yellow pigment spots in most of their lappets. The early embryonic development is briefly described. Planuloid formation is hypothesized as explanation for polyp-stage philopatry.