General Description
Flower-like with up to 40 tentacles radiating from the head (hydranth). Stem up to 10 cm long.
Biology
This species is the largest hydroid in Australian waters. They usually form small groups of well separated individuals.
Distribution
Southern Australia (South Australia, Victoria, Western Australia).
Habitat
Sheltered areas of oceans and bays. Subtidal, epizoic on alcyonaceans, particularly Parerythropodium membranaceum.
More Information
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Animal Type
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Animal SubType
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Brief Id
Flower-like, 40 tentacles, long stem.
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Maximum Size
10 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
Watson, 1980
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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
magnifica
