Biology:Pycnotheca mirabilis

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Short description: Species of cnidarian

Pycnotheca mirabilis
Bryozoans and hydroids at Lorry Bay PB011943.JPG
Scientific classification edit
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Cnidaria
Class: Hydrozoa
Order: Leptothecata
Family: Kirchenpaueriidae
Genus: Pycnotheca
Species:
P. mirabilis
Binomial name
Pycnotheca mirabilis
(Allman, 1883)
Synonyms
  • Diplocheilus allmani Torrey, 1902
  • Pycnotheca allmani (Torrey, 1902)[1]

Pycnotheca mirabilis, The feathery hydroid, is a colonial hydroid in the family Kirchenpaueriidae.[2] Feathery hydroids are often white and grow in crowded colonies resembling upright feathers. The stems may grow to 3 cm in total height. The reproductive bodies are found at the base of the stems and resemble beehives.[3]

This colonial animal is found off the South Africa n coast from False Bay to KwaZulu-Natal, as well as around the Indo-Pacific rim and Vema Seamount. It lives from the subtidal to 50 m under water.[3] This species eats microplankton.[3]

References

Wikidata ☰ Q2918224 entry