Gattya humilis
| Gattya humilis | |
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| snowdrop hydroid with Doto coronata | |
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| Species: | G. humilis
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| Binomial name | |
| Gattya humilis Allman, 1885
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The snowdrop hydroid (Gattya humilis) is a delicate colonial hydroid in the family Halopterididae.[1]
Description
Snowdrop hydroids are usually white and have small branches extending from a central stem. They may grow up to 3cm in total height. The male gonophores (reproductive bodies) are smaller and more rounded than the female ones, which are goblet-shaped and contain only one egg each. Both sexes occur on the same stem.[2]
Distribution
This colonial animal is found off the southern African coast from Northern Namibia to KwaZulu-Natal from the subtidal to 70m under water. It is only found in this region.[2]
Ecology
This species often grows on coralline algae or weed.[2]
Synonym
The following species are considered as synonyms of Gattya humilis:[1]
- Paragattya humilis (Allman, 1885)
- Paragattya intermedia Warren, 1908
References
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