Abstract
The cydippid ctenophore Euplokamis dunlapae n.sp. from fjords and inlets in British Columbia and Washington State is described and illustrated. The monotypic new family Euplokamidae has been erected to accommodate this genus, which is characterized by tentacle side branches containing striated muscle, unique in the phylum Ctenophora. These side branches are tightly coiled when at rest, but extend very rapidly during prey capture. Feeding and swimming behavior and larval morphology are discussed. A review of the literature has led to a reassessment of the affinities of several cydippid ctenophores and a dichotomous key is included for the identification of six species of the genus Euplokamis.