| Tubularia | |
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Scientific classification 
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| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Cnidaria |
| Class: | Hydrozoa |
| Order: | Anthoathecata |
| Family: | Tubulariidae |
| Genus: | Tubularia Linnaeus, 1758 |
| Species | |
Tubularia is a genus of hydroids resembling furry pink tufts or balls at the end of long strings, spawning the common name as either the pink-mouthed or pink-hearted hydroid.
Description
The average height of an individual colony is 4–6 centimetres (1+1⁄2–2+1⁄2 inches) and the diameter of the polyp and tentacles is 1 cm (1⁄2 in).
Tubularia occurs either individually or in colonies, both being dioecious and possessing large, brilliantly coloured, flowerlike hydrants. Medusae remain attached to the hypostome in clusters, never being dispersed.
Life cycle
During the summer, sperm are released into the water and attracted to female reproductive structures by means of a chemical substance. Internal fertilization occurs in the female medusoids. The fertilized eggs develop into actinula. These larvae develop directly into a new polyp. Although the medusa are attached to the polyp, the life cycle resembles that of typical Cnidarian with the polyp reproducing asexually and the medusa producing egg and sperm.
Similar taxa
Tubularia indivisa may be difficult to distinguish from Ectopleura larynx, with the two often growing together. The stems of E. larynx are branched while those of T. indivisa are not.
References
- Somodevilla, Alina. "Ectopleura Larynx." Anima Diversity Web. University of Michigan Museum of Zoology.
- Fish, J. D., and S. Fish. A Student's Guide to the Seashore. New York: Cambridge UP, 2011. Print
- Characteristics." Ringed Tubularia - Ectopleura Larynx. 29 May 2015. Web.
External links
- New Jersey Scuba Diver - Plant-like Animals
- Marine Life Encyclopedia
- MBL Marine Organisms Database page
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