Snowdrop Hydroid – Gattya humilis

, Snowdrop Hydroid - Gattya humilis, Gattya humilis
Depth: 5 - 70 m

The Snowdrop Hydroid, scientifically known as Gattya humilis, is a fascinating and delicate marine creature. It is a type of hydroid, a group of colonial animals that are closely related to jellyfish and corals. Gattya humilis is a filter feeder, meaning it obtains its sustenance by filtering microscopic organisms from the surrounding water. This hydroid exhibits a unique and intricate structure that distinguishes it from other marine invertebrates.

Description & Characteristics

Gattya humilis is characterized by its slender, branching form, reminiscent of a miniature snowdrop flower. Its delicate branches are adorned with tiny polyps, which are responsible for capturing food. The polyps are equipped with tentacles that are used to trap small organisms and draw them towards the mouth. Gattya humilis can attain a maximum size of approximately 10 centimeters in height, though it typically grows to a smaller size.

Habitat and Occurrence

Gattya humilis is a creature of the shallows, typically found in depths of 1 to 10 meters. This hydroid is a common sight in the intertidal zone, the area between high and low tide, where it thrives in rocky habitats. The Snowdrop Hydroid can also be found in deeper, subtidal waters, often clinging to rocks or seaweed. Its distribution is particularly prominent in temperate waters, where it thrives in the diverse ecosystems of coastal regions.

Taxonomy

The Snowdrop Hydroid, Gattya humilis, belongs to the Class: Hydrozoa, Order: Leptothecata, and Family: Halopterididae. This classification places it within a large and diverse group of cnidarians, which are characterized by their stinging cells. Within this group, Gattya humilis is further categorized as a hydroid, a type of colonial animal that exhibits a unique life cycle and morphology.

Feeding

Gattya humilis is a filter feeder, meaning it obtains its nourishment by filtering tiny organisms from the surrounding water. Its polyps are equipped with tentacles that capture microscopic prey, such as plankton and other small invertebrates. The tentacles contain stinging cells called nematocysts, which are used to paralyze the prey before it is drawn towards the mouth.

Associated Species

Image References

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