General Description
Colony of individual polyps (hydranths) joined by a root-like network of tubular stolons at the base. Colony shape is tree-like or bushy (arborescent). Colour: orange. More than 3 cm high.
Biology
This is a common species.
Distribution
South-eastern Australia (New South Wales and Victoria).
Habitat
Subtidal, on soft and rocky substrates, to depths of at least 51 m.
More Information
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Animal Type
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Animal SubType
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Fast Fact
Named for William Mountier Bale (1851-1940), a prominent Australian naturalist who first collected this species from Port Phillip Bay, Victoria.
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Brief Id
Orange to brown tree-like or bushy (arborescent) colony.
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Maximum Size
3 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
Watson, 1985
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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
balei
