General Description
Colony of individual polyps (hydranths) joined by root-like network of tubular stolons at the base. Colony shape is feather-like (pinnate). Colour: honey brown, gonophores (reproductive structures) often creamy pink. Up to 1 cm high.
Biology
These hydroids occur seasonally in spring and summer.
Distribution
Southern Australia (South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, Western Australia).
Habitat
Subtidal and oceanic, amongst holdfasts of firm-textured red algae and sometimes brown algae.
More Information
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Animal Type
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Animal SubType
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Brief Id
Small pinnate brown colonies, usually on red algae.
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Maximum Size
1 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)
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Water Column Locations
On or near seafloor
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Taxon Name
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Scientific Author
(Bale, 1884)
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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
maplestonei
