Jointed hydroid

Jointed hydroid
jointed hydroid with reproductive bodies
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Cnidaria
Subphylum: Medusozoa
Class: Hydrozoa
Subclass: Hydroidolina
Order: Leptothecata
Family: Sertulariidae
Genus: Thuiaria
Species: T. articulata
Binomial name
Thuiaria articulata
(Pallas, 1766)

The jointed hydroid, Thuiaria articulata, is a branching colonial hydroid in the family Sertulariidae.[1]

Description

Jointed hydroids look like a child's drawing of a Christmas tree. They have an upright stem with side branches that emerge in pairs and extend upwards from the 'trunk'. The branches all grow in one plane. The colony is usually 4-8cm in total height but may grow to 22cm.[2]

Distribution

This colonial animal is found off the whole South African coast down to 135m under water. It is also found at Vema Seamount.[2]

Ecology

Jointed hydroids live in sheltered areas and are common on the southern Cape coast. The reproductive bodies are ovoid with a distinct depression in their apex. [2]

Synonyms

The following species are considered synonyms of Thuiaria articulata:[1]

References

  1. 1 2 http://marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=117932 accessed 16 August 2013
  2. 1 2 3 Branch, G.M., Branch, M.L, Griffiths, C.L. and Beckley, L.E. 2010. Two Oceans: a guide to the marine life of southern Africa ISBN 978-1-77007-772-0
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