Hydrocorella africana
(Redirected from Shell-mimic hydroid)
| Hydrocorella africana | |
|---|---|
| File:Hydrocorella africana9.jpg | |
| shell-mimic hydroid on shell occupied by pink hermit crab | |
| Scientific classification Edit this classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Cnidaria |
| Class: | Hydrozoa |
| Order: | Anthoathecata |
| Family: | Hydractiniidae |
| Genus: | Hydrocorella |
| Species: | H. africana
|
| Binomial name | |
| Hydrocorella africana Stechow, 1921
| |
Hydrocorella africana, the shell-mimic hydroid, is a small colonial encrusting hydroid in the family Hydractiniidae.[1]
Description
[edit | edit source]Shell-mimic hydroids grow as calcified colonies of 0.5–2 cm thick on shells of living snails. The colony has a pale chalky skeleton and cream to orange hydranths (feeding individuals).[2]
Distribution
[edit | edit source]This colonial animal is found only off the South African coast from the west coast to Durban subtidally and to 500m under water.[2]
Ecology
[edit | edit source]After the death of the mollusc the colony may continue growing in an open spiral. The colony often develops into spines and outgrowths, growing to such an extent that the colonised shell becomes unrecognisable.[2]
References
[edit | edit source]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Hydrocorella africana.
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- ^ a b c Millard, N.A.H. 1975. Monograph on the Hydroida of Southern Africa. Ann. S. Afr. Mus. 68:1-513
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