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: white to greenish, sometimes with internal patches of black zooxanthallae (microscopic plants) living in the coensosarc (connective tissue). Up to 8 cm long.
Biology
Colonies of this species commence growth in winter and become fertile late spring.
Distribution
Southern Australia (South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, Western Australia).
Habitat
Subtidal, on sponges or hanging down in curtains in crevices in clear ocean waters.
More Information
-
Animal Type
-
Animal SubType
-
Brief Id
Thick bushy white colonies with distinct stems.
-
Maximum Size
8 cm
-
Habitats
-
Diet
Plankton or Particles
-
Diet Categories
Plankton
-
Hazards
Generally not harmful but still able to sting bare skin.
-
Endemicity
-
Commercial
No
-
Conservation Statuses
DSE Advisory List: Not listed, EPBC Act 1999: Not listed, IUCN Red List: Not listed
-
Depths
Shallow (1-30 m)
-
Water Column Locations
On or near seafloor
-
Taxon Name
-
Scientific Author
(Bale, 1919)
-
Common Name
Hydroid
-
Phylum
-
Class
-
Subclass
-
Order
-
Family
-
Genus
-
Species Name
australe
