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Hydroid Collection (#2)

Hydroid: Fascinating Creatures of the Ocean From the vibrant waters of Tenerife to the depths of Trondheimsfjord

Background imageHydroid Collection: Campanularia hydrozoan, light micrograph

Campanularia hydrozoan, light micrograph
Campanularia hydrozoan. Polarised light micrograph of a hydroid colony of Campanularia polyps. The branches of the stem give rise to either feeding polyps (hydranths)

Background imageHydroid Collection: Hydroid (Campanularia flexuosa), LM

Hydroid (Campanularia flexuosa), LM
Hydroid (Campanularia flexuosa). Light micrograph (LM) of a colonial hydroid, showing gonozooid (reproducing) and gastrozooid (feeding) polyps, attached to a central stolon (stalk)

Background imageHydroid Collection: Freshwater Hydra, light micrograph

Freshwater Hydra, light micrograph
Freshwater Hydra. Dark-field light micrograph of a freshwater Hydra on a leaf of Canadian pondweed (Elodea canadensis). The Hydra is undergoing asexual reproduction by budding off a new individual

Background imageHydroid Collection: Fire hydroid

Fire hydroid (Aglaophenia cupressina). This hydroid (a type of cnidarian, related to corals and sea anemones) is known for its painful sting. Photographed in Sulawesi, Indonesia

Background imageHydroid Collection: Ring-tailed cardinalfish

Ring-tailed cardinalfish (Apogon aureus) swimming amongst hydroid organisms (green, grey). Photographed in Bali, Indonesia

Background imageHydroid Collection: Hydroid crab on a seasquirt

Hydroid crab on a seasquirt (blue). The hydroid crab (Hyastenus bispinosus) has decorated its body with hydroid (Hydrozoa) polyps

Background imageHydroid Collection: Marine life specimens

Marine life specimens

Background imageHydroid Collection: Hydrozoa

Hydrozoa (Ectopleura larynx). Hydrozoa are a type of cnidarian and are related to corals and sea anemones. Photographed in the White Sea, Russia

Background imageHydroid Collection: Hydroid crab on a sea pen

Hydroid crab on a sea pen (Pteroides sp.). The hydroid crab (Porcellanella triloba) has decorated its body with hydroid (Hydrozoa) polyps. Sea pens are colonial organisms related to sea feathers

Background imageHydroid Collection: Hydrozoan colony

Hydrozoan colony. Close-up of the tentacled feeding structures of a hydrozoan (Tubularia larynx) colony. Hydrozoa are a type of cnidarian and are related to corals and sea anemones

Background imageHydroid Collection: Nudibranch eating hydrozoa

Nudibranch eating hydrozoa
Nudibranch (Flabellina verrucosa) eating hydrozoa (Eudendrium sp.). Nudibranchs are shell-less marine molluscs that live in seas around the world

Background imageHydroid Collection: Hydrozoan colony and amphipods

Hydrozoan colony and amphipods. Amphipod (Stenothoe marina) crustaceans sheltering amongst the tentacled feeding structures of a hydrozoan (Tubularia larynx) colony

Background imageHydroid Collection: Hydrozoan

Hydrozoan (Tubularia indivisa). Hydrozoa are a type of cnidarian and are related to corals and sea anemones

Background imageHydroid Collection: Predators feeding on a hydroid colony

Predators feeding on a hydroid colony
Predators feeding on a hydrozoa colony. Colony of Tubularia larynx hydrozoa that has been destroyed by nudibranchs (Coryphella sp)

Background imageHydroid Collection: Tropical reef, Indonesia

Tropical reef, Indonesia
Tropical reef. Diverse community of soft corals, Tubastrea sp. hard corals, hydroids and feather stars growing on a boulder. Photographed in Triton Bay, West Papua, Indonesia

Background imageHydroid Collection: Pontohi pygmy seahorse

Pontohi pygmy seahorse amongst hydroid colony. Pontohi pygmy seahorses (Hippocampus pontohi) have only recently been described (as of 2010)

Background imageHydroid Collection: Fishing over a reef

Fishing over a reef. Silhouette of a traditional outrigger fishing boat moored above a reef. Photographed in Bunaken Marine Park, Manado, Sulawesi, Indonesia

Background imageHydroid Collection: Oaten Pipe Hydroid - type of colonial hydroid. UK

Oaten Pipe Hydroid - type of colonial hydroid. UK
DAN-31 Oaten Pipe Hydroid - type of colonial hydroid. UK Tubularia indivisa David Nance Please note that prints are for personal display purposes only and may not be reproduced in any way

Background imageHydroid Collection: Caprellid amphipod on hydroid, Nolton Haven, Pembrokeshire, Wales, UK, Europe

Caprellid amphipod on hydroid, Nolton Haven, Pembrokeshire, Wales, UK, Europe
Andrew Davies / SpecialistStock

Background imageHydroid Collection: Stinging hydroid fronds. Galapagos, Ecuador. 1991

Stinging hydroid fronds. Galapagos, Ecuador. 1991
David Day / SplashdownDirect

Background imageHydroid Collection: Hermit Crab Hydroid (Hydractinia echinata), on shell of Common hermit crab (Pagarus bernhardus)

Hermit Crab Hydroid (Hydractinia echinata), on shell of Common hermit crab (Pagarus bernhardus), St Abbs, Scotland
Lawson Wood / SplashdownDirect




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Hydroid: Fascinating Creatures of the Ocean From the vibrant waters of Tenerife to the depths of Trondheimsfjord, hydroids have captivated marine enthusiasts with their unique characteristics and remarkable adaptations. These incredible creatures can be found in various parts of the world, each with its own intriguing story. In the Canary Islands, a Portuguese man o' war (Physalia physalis) gracefully floats on the surface, its deadly tentacles trailing beneath. Within these venomous appendages resides an unlikely resident - the Man-of-war fish (Nomeus gronovi). This resilient fish has developed a resistance ten times stronger than any other species, allowing it to coexist harmoniously with its dangerous host. Venturing further into Caribbean waters, we encounter another fascinating relationship between two ocean dwellers. The Blue dragon seaslug (Glaucus atlanticus), adorned in mesmerizing hues, finds solace within a Blue button hydroid colony (Porpita porpita). Together they create an enchanting spectacle that showcases nature's artistic prowess. On distant shores where thousands of Indo-Pacific Portuguese man-of-war wash ashore during a mass stranding event, there exists a creature immune to their venom - the Blue sea slug (Glaucus atlanticus). As if plucked from mythology itself, this tiny slug preys upon these formidable beings without fear or consequence. Closer to home in Derbyshire's garden pond lies yet another marvel - Green hydra (Hydra viridissima). Its delicate form and vivid coloration add beauty to even our most humble surroundings. A reminder that wonders can be found right at our doorstep. Moving across continents to Red Sea coral reefs teeming with life and vibrancy; female Scalefin anthias fish paint orange streaks against an underwater canvas dominated by corals. Amongst them lurks one of nature's masterpieces - Portuguese Man-of-War (Physalia physalis).