Gnome's hat hydroid

Gnome's hat hydroid
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Subkingdom: Eumetazoa
Phylum: Cnidaria
Subphylum: Medusozoa
Class: Hydrozoa
Subclass: Hydroidolina
Order: Anthoathecata
Suborder: Aplanulata
Family: Candelabridae
Genus: Candelabrum
Species: C. capensis
Binomial name
Candelabrum capensis
(Manton, 1940)[1]

The gnome's hat hydroid, Candelabrum capensis is a species of sessile hydroid cnidarian. It is a member of the family Candelabridae. [2]

Description

The gnome's hat hydroid grows to about 3cm tall. It is a small conical hydroid with 30-40 adhesive knobs at its base. The cone is made up of 400-600 densely packed warty tentacles which contain the stinging cells. Its colour is variable, from a purple-brown to magenta or pale pink.[2]

Distribution

This species is found around the southern African coast from Luderitz in Namibia to East London from the subtidal to at least 27m underwater.[2]

Ecology

These animals are usually found among red seaweed and brown seagrass, singly or in small groups.[2]


References

  1. ↑ http://marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=284431 accessed 11 August 2013
  2. 1 2 3 4 Millard, N.A.H. 1975. Monograph on the Hydroida of Southern Africa. Ann. S. Afr. Mus. 68:1-513


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