Ptychogastriids [Ptychogastriidae]

Description

Ptychogastriidae, known as Ptychogastriids, are a family of gelatinous, often transparent hydroids. These creatures are unique among the Anthoathecata for their floating or pelagic lifestyle, unlike the predominantly benthic existence of most other families within the order. They have highly specialized life cycles and feeding mechanisms that allow them to thrive in the open ocean, often in midwater or near-surface habitats, where they feed on small particles and plankton.

Genera

Taxonomy