Lens and van Riemsdijk, 1908
The only described feature that could distinguish this species from others of the genus Halistemma is the terminal filament of the tentillum that ends in a cupulate process. With the description of Halistemma transliratum Pugh and Youngbluth, 1988 it has become apparent that Halistemma cupulifera is not the only species whose tentillum ends in a cupulate process. The two processes are distinguishable, but with care. It is thus uncertain as to what species the records given by Alvariño et al. (1990) belong.
(cf. Physonect siphonophore 3)