The Planar Hydroid, Sertularella arbuscula, is a small, delicate hydroid that can be found in marine environments. They are characterized by their distinctive branching structures and play a vital role in the marine ecosystem.
Description & Characteristics
Sertularella arbuscula typically grows to a maximum size of a few centimeters. The colony structure is characterized by a series of branching stems, forming a shrub-like appearance. These stems are composed of individual polyps that are connected by a thin, transparent tube called a coenosarc. The polyps are responsible for feeding and defense. The Planar Hydroid is typically a translucent white or light brown color, and it can be easily overlooked due to its small size and delicate nature.
Habitat and Occurrence
Sertularella arbuscula is a common inhabitant of the intertidal zone, the area between high and low tide. They can also be found in subtidal zones, which are areas that are always submerged below the tide line. This species often attaches to various surfaces, such as rocks, seaweed, and artificial structures, thriving in the temperate waters of the North Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Sertularella arbuscula is frequently found in both the neritic zone, which extends from the shoreline to the edge of the continental shelf, and the oceanic zone, which encompasses the vast open ocean.
Taxonomy
Sertularella arbuscula belongs to the Class: Hydrozoa, Order: Leptothecata, and Family: Sertularellidae. These classifications reflect the unique features of the Planar Hydroid, including its polyp structure and the presence of a hydroid colony.
Feeding
Sertularella arbuscula is a carnivore, feeding primarily on zooplankton, tiny aquatic animals that drift in the water column. The polyps of the colony use their tentacles to capture and consume these prey items, providing nutrients for the entire colony.
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