Hydroidolina Collins 2000

Colony consists of feeding and reproductive polypsabout 5 cm high.

Here are two colonies, pink and purple, of California Hydrocoral--they are not anthozoan 'true' corals. These colonies were at 18 m depth, but the species extends into deep water. The colonies have separate sexes, they are slow-growing, and these could be 100 years old.

Don't touch hydroids; they can sting you. This one is growing on kelp.

No polyp stage of this hydrozoan has been recognized. Note the prominent eye spots.

Porifera

This long stem region trails from a gas-filled float. It consists of both feeding and reproductive structures. Sone of the longest siphonophores are in this order.

The gonangia arise from the central stalk of a fernlike spray. They release sperm that fertilize retained eggs. These eggs develop into planula larvae which are released.

Obelia colony on a blade of giant kelp, as seen beneath a cover-slip. Note the many medusa buds.

Frond of female Plumularia colony with reproductive polyps and medusoids. From a blade of giant kelp.

The nematocysts of this hydroid have a very potent sting; the ensuing rash can last for several days. Approach these colonies with care.

Hydroid photographed at 17m depth.

This view shows the tiny, extended, feeding polyps that are surrounded by defensive tentacles especially rich in nematocysts. Reproductive structures are enclosed in the swollen orange corbula. From a floating dock, Monterey Harbor.

porifera