Shallow Water Hydriod
| Scientific Name: | Halopteris sp.cf. diaphana |
| Species: | Hydroids (Halopterididae) |
| Other names: |
Sea Ferns, Fire Hydroid, Stinging Hydroid, Stinging Bush Hydroid, Philippine Hydroid, White stinger, Feather Hydroid, Fireweed. |
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Shallow Water HydriodUploaded by: @Kalab in March 2012
Photographed at: Secret Bay, Menjangan - Indonesia
Caption: Unidentified leaf like structures
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Description
Also known as Sea Ferns, Fire Hydroid, Stinging Hydroid, Stinging Bush Hydroid, Philippine Hydroid, White stinger, Feather Hydroid and Fireweed.
Found in clumps on coral and rocky reefs in shallow waters.
They feed on plankton.
Length - 3cm
Depth - 1-25m
Widespread Indo Pacific
Hydroids look like tiny ferns or feathers, many are smaller than 5cm although some can grow to 50cm.
They are found competing for space with sponges on bare patches of dead coral and rocks.
Stinging hydroid polyps are very small and are carried on the stem and side branches of feather/fern like colonies. The specific layout of the polyps on the branches, as well as the arrangement of the branches are used to classify different species.
The class Hydrozoa encompasses the most diverse group of venomous species and includes the stinging hydroids, hydrocorals (firecorals) and the portugese man of war (siphonophore)
Some species can inflict painful stings. Ref: http://www.marinelifephotography.com/marine/cnidaria/halopteris-diaphana.htm
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