Benthoplana meteoris

Benthoplana meteoris is a small, flattened ctenophore that can grow up to a few centimeters in diameter. It is characterized by its distinctive shape, featuring two prominent tentacle sheathes on its aboral side, which set it apart from other platyctenids. This species is native to the Indo-Pacific region and has also been recorded in the Arabian-Persian Gulf, typically residing on soft sediment in shallow waters. It is often encountered at various dive sites across these regions, making it a relatively accessible species for divers to observe. This comb jelly is unique among its relatives as it lives freely on the ocean floor rather than being parasitic. It feeds on small planktonic organisms, utilizing its tentacles to capture food. Like many platyctenids, Benthoplana meteoris is hermaphroditic and can reproduce both sexually and asexually through body fission and regeneration, allowing for a flexible approach to reproduction in its environment. Diving encounters with Benthoplana meteoris can be intriguing, as its unusual body structure and behavior may catch the attention of divers exploring soft sediment habitats. However, specific details about its behavior during encounters are not provided in the sources. The conservation status of this species has not been evaluated, indicating a lack of comprehensive data on its population trends and threats.