Tubularia
| Tubularia | |
|---|---|
| File:Tubularia indivisa, hydranth of male colony (from Allman, 1872).png | |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Cnidaria |
| Class: | Hydrozoa |
| Order: | Anthoathecata |
| Family: | Tubulariidae |
| Genus: | Tubularia Linnaeus, 1758 |
| Species | |
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Tubularia is a genus of hydroids resembling furry pink tufts or balls at the end of long strings, spawning the common name as either the pink-mouthed or pink-hearted hydroid.
Description
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The average height of an individual colony is 4–6 centimetres (1+1⁄2–2+1⁄2 inches) and the diameter of the polyp and tentacles is 1 cm (1⁄2 in).
Tubularia occurs either individually or in colonies, both being dioecious and possessing large, brilliantly coloured, flowerlike hydrants. Medusae remain attached to the hypostome in clusters, never being dispersed.[citation needed]
Life cycle
[edit | edit source]During the summer, sperm are released into the water and attracted to female reproductive structures by means of a chemical substance. Internal fertilization occurs in the female medusoids. The fertilized eggs develop into actinula.[1] These larvae develop directly into a new polyp. Although the medusa are attached to the polyp, the life cycle resembles that of typical Cnidarian with the polyp reproducing asexually and the medusa producing egg and sperm.[2]
Similar taxa
[edit | edit source]Tubularia indivisa may be difficult to distinguish from Ectopleura larynx, with the two often growing together. The stems of E. larynx are branched while those of T. indivisa are not.[3]
References
[edit | edit source]External links
[edit | edit source]- New Jersey Scuba Diver - Plant-like Animals
- Marine Life Encyclopedia
- MBL Marine Organisms Database page
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