Gattya humilis explained

Gattya humilis, the snowdrop hydroid, 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 3 cm 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]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: WoRMS - World Register of Marine Species - Gattya humilis Allman, 1885. 2021-01-18. marinespecies.org.
  2. [Naomi A. H. Millard|Millard, N.A.H.]