Clytia rangiroae is a small, colonial hydroid belonging to the family Campanulariidae. This species, commonly known as the “Rangiroa Clytia,” is distinguished by its distinctive features and fascinating ecological role.
Description & Characteristics
Clytia rangiroae exhibits a characteristic colonial structure, comprising numerous polyps that are connected by a shared network of tissues. These polyps are responsible for feeding, reproduction, and defense. The hydroid’s polyps are typically less than 10 millimeters in length, with a transparent, bell-shaped structure. The most noticeable feature of Clytia rangiroae is its colony’s ability to reproduce asexually by budding.
Habitat and Occurrence
Clytia rangiroae is commonly found in shallow waters, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region. This species thrives in the tropical and subtropical zones, inhabiting areas with high levels of sunlight penetration. The hydroid’s preferred habitat includes coral reefs, seagrass beds, and rocky shores. Its distribution encompasses a wide range of depths, with records ranging from the intertidal zone to depths of approximately 30 meters. It thrives in the neritic zone, an area of the ocean extending from the shoreline to the edge of the continental shelf.
Taxonomy
Clytia rangiroae is scientifically classified under the Class Hydrozoa, which encompasses a diverse array of marine invertebrates. The species belongs to the Order Leptothecata, a group characterized by their thin, flexible skeletons. Further categorized within the Family Campanulariidae, Clytia rangiroae shares characteristics with other species in this family, including a bell-shaped polyp structure.
Feeding
Clytia rangiroae is a carnivorous species, feeding primarily on small planktonic organisms such as copepods, crustaceans, and other invertebrates. These tiny creatures are captured by the polyp’s tentacles, which contain stinging cells called nematocysts. The nematocysts paralyze the prey, allowing the polyp to ingest it. Clytia rangiroae plays a crucial role in regulating the populations of these planktonic organisms, maintaining the balance of the ecosystem.
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