General Description
Colony of individual polyps (hydranths) joined by root-like network of tubular stolons at the base. Colony shape is tree-like or bushy (arborescent). Colour: charcoal grey to almost black, corbula black, gonothecae cream to black. Up to 20 cm high.
Biology
This is one of the most spectacular and graceful hydroids in southern Australia. Their colonies grow most of year, and they are fertile in autumn and winter.
Distribution
Southern Australia (New South Wales, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, Western Australia).
Habitat
Subtidal, epiphytic on algae and epizoic on benthic invertebrates in deep reefs.
More Information
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Animal Type
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Animal SubType
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Brief Id
Large charcoal-black plumose colonies.
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Maximum Size
20 cm
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Habitats
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Diet
Plankton or Particles
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Diet Categories
Plankton
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Hazards
Generally not harmful but still able to sting bare skin.
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Endemicity
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Commercial
No
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Conservation Statuses
DSE Advisory List: Not listed, EPBC Act 1999: Not listed, IUCN Red List: Not listed
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Depths
Shallow (1-30 m), Deep ( > 30 m)
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Water Column Locations
On or near seafloor
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Taxon Name
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Scientific Author
(Busk, 1852)
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Common Name
Hydroid
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Phylum
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Class
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Subclass
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Order
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Family
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Genus
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Species Name
divaricata
