Candelabrum tentaculatum explained

Candelabrum tentaculatum, also called the dreadlocks hydroid or calamari hydroid, is a sessile marine hydroid, that is found off the Cape Peninsula of South Africa.[1] [2]

Description

Naked cylindrical hydranth up to about 70mm long, covered by densely packed short capitate tentacles. Basal part carries a single whorl of about 17 long unbranched blastostyles, with gonophores near the hydranth.

Species range

Endemic to South Africa, known only from the Cape Peninsula[2] and Port Elizabeth in 10 to 30 m of water.[2]

Identification

Pale off-white slightly tapering cylindrical central part with rounded tip, covered with very short rounded tentacles. The base has a ring of long floppy reddish tentacles that drape over the substrate.

Natural history

Often found on pore-plated false corals Laminopora jellyae.[2]

Notes and References

  1. Millard, N.A.H. 1975. Monograph on the Hydroida of Southern Africa. Ann. S. Afr. Mus. 68:1-513
  2. Jones, Georgina. (2008), Marine animals of the Cape Peninsula Southern Underwater Research Group Press, Cape Town.