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: colonies variable in colour from greyish-brown to honey-brown. Up to 15 cm long.
Biology
This is one of the most spectacular and graceful hydroids in southern Australia. Their colonies grow throughout year, and become fertile spring to summer.
Distribution
New Zealand and Australia (Lord Howe Island, New South Wales, South Australia, Victoria, Western Australia).
Habitat
Subtidal, on hard substrates in flowing current.
More Information
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Animal Type
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Animal SubType
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Brief Id
Tall greyish to brown plumes with harsh texture.
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Maximum Size
15 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
(Bale, 1882)
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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
prolifer