Thuiaria articulata
| Jointed hydroid | |
|---|---|
 |
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| 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 | |
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Thuiaria articulata (Pallas, 1766) |
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The jointed hydroid, Thuiaria articulata, is a branching colonial hydroid in the family Sertulariidae.
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.
This colonial animal is found off the whole South African coast down to 135m under water. It is also found at Vema Seamount.
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.
The following species are considered synonyms of Thuiaria articulata:
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Wikipedia