Cestida

/sɛˈstɪdə/ noun

Definition

A taxonomic category referring to ribbon-like marine animals, particularly a class of comb jellies with flattened bodies.

Etymology

From Latin cestus ('belt' or 'girdle') combined with the scientific suffix -ida. The name references their distinctive flattened, belt-like body shape.

Kelly Says

Cestida are bizarre deep-sea creatures with bioluminescent bodies and hermaphroditic reproduction—they're so weird that scientists are still discovering their behaviors, and their name perfectly captures their flat, ribbon-like appearance.

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