| Family: |
Sertulariidae () |
| Max. size: |
6 cm COLD (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
benthic; marine; depth range 63 - 799 m |
| Distribution: |
Western Indian Ocean and the Antarctic. |
| Diagnosis: |
Colonies monosiphonic, consisting of a mass of interwoven, anastomosing branches up to 60mm in diameter; without distinct main stem. Hydrothecae arranged in decussate pairs, forming four longitudinal rows of hydrothecae. Hydrothecae immersed into the branches for ca one-third of their volume. Hydrotheca cylindrical in lateral view, curving slightly outwards; in frontal view slightly inflated basally. Adcauline hydrothecal wall largely adnate to internode, but with a distinct free portion; this part straight or slightly concave. Abcauline hydrothecal wall straight basally, but becoming concave distally. Hydrothecal aperture circular, large and slightly tilted downwards. Rim of hydrotheca even and frequently with renovations; diaphragm mushroom-shaped, provided with two abcauline perisarc projections pointing to the lumen of hydrotheca. Male and female gonothecae present, both originating at hydrothecal base. Female gonotheca urn-shaped, provided with a wide neck with distal,
circular aperture; gonothecal wall with a few transverse striae at base of neck. Male
gonotheca fusiform, with a short neck, distally having a small, circular aperture. |
| Biology: |
Minimum depth from Ref. 92901. Species inhabits bottoms of mud or mud with detritus; sand, pebbles and stones. It is used as a substratum by other hydroids (Ref. 7414). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. 123251)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
| Country info: |
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