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: stems and corbula (basket-like structure containing reproductive structures) variable greyish to yellowish brown, gonophores (reproductive structures) cream to pink.
Biology
This is one of the most spectacular and graceful hydroids in southern Australia. Their colonies grow and become fertile spring to late summer.
Distribution
Southern Australia.
Habitat
On sponges and other invertebrates, in sheltered bays, below low water mark on jetty piles.
More Information
-
Animal Type
-
Animal SubType
-
Brief Id
Greyish to brown colonies with abundant cream-coloured corbulae.
-
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, 1882
-
Common Name
Hydroid
-
Phylum
-
Class
-
Subclass
-
Order
-
Family
-
Genus
-
Species Name
parvula