Scyphistomae

individuals of the polypoid (asexually reproducing) generation of coelenterates of the class Scyphozoa, except the order Stauromedusae. Scyphistomae maintain a benthic sessile mode of life. The cone-shaped body, which measures 1–3 mm in height, is attached to a substrate by a short pedicel. On the opposite end of the body, the oral opening is surrounded by four to 32 tentacles. Scyphistomae of the order Coronatae are protected by a tough external cone-shaped tube and sometimes form small colonies. Reproducing by construction (strobilation), scyphistomae produce ephyra, larvae of the sexually reproducing generation of Scyphozoa.