Page 57 - Caribbean Reef Life Demo
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SOLITARY GORGONIAN HYDROID (Ralpharia gorgoniae) < 2.5 cm / 1 in
Single white or pinkish polyp surrounded by numerous thin curling tentacles. Often found on tips of gorgonian species.
Each individual polyp of a hydroid is like a tiny jelly sh, with a central mouth surrounded by stinging tentacles. Most hydroids have evolved to live as a colony, each polyp supporting and feeding the basic structure of the animal. The polyps can often sting the bare skin of careless divers.
FEATHER BUSH HYDROID (Dentitheca dendritica) < 35 cm / 14 in Thick central stalks branch repeatedly to form a loose ush. Often co ered in droid oanthids . 129 .
SEAFAN HYDROID
(Solanderia gracilis) < 45 cm / 1.5 ft Reddish stalks branch repeatedly, growing in a single lane li e a fan. o ered ith tin hite stin in ol s.
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