The occurrence of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Ophiocnemis marmorata</Emphasis> (Echinodermata: Ophiuroidea) associated with the rhizostome medusa <Emphasis Type="Italic">Rhopilema hispidum</Emphasis> (Cnidaria: Scyphozoa)

The association of scyphomedusae with invertebrates has been long known in the literature; especially with hyperiids amphipods. The association of echinoderms with jellyfish is not common and rarely recorded. We reported the association of the ophiuroid Ophiocnemis marmorata with the rhizostome scyphomedusa Rhopilema hispidum collected in Vellar estuary (on the southeast coast of India). O. marmorata is supposed to be a filter feeding ophiuroid, quite common in soft bottom of shallow waters. The brittle stars possibly seek for food supply, shelter and protection through the association.