Southern hydractinia [Hydractinia southwardorum]
Description
Hydractinia southwardorum, also known as southern hydractinia, is a marine species of colonial hydroids found in the Southern Ocean. This species forms colonies on the shells of gastropods, and are often associated with hermit crabs. The colonies consist of numerous polyps, each of which is specialized for a specific function such as feeding, reproduction, or defense.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Jellyfish, Sea Anemones, and Relatives
Cnidaria
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Hydroids, Fire Corals, and Stinging Anemones
Hydrozoa
|
| Order |
Leptothecata
Leptothecata
|
| Family |
Hydractiniid hydroids
Hydractiniidae
|
| Genus |
Hydractinia
Hydractinia
|