Antennella
Antennella is a genus of hydroids in the family Haleciidae. These colonial animals are commonly known as “antennarian hydroids” and are found in marine environments worldwide. They are characterized by their distinctive polyp morphology and their ability to form intricate, branching colonies.
Characteristics
Antennella species are typically characterized by their slender, branching colonies. They possess two main types of polyps: gastrozooids (feeding polyps) and gonozooids (reproductive polyps). The gastrozooids are elongated and tubular, with a single mouth and a ring of tentacles around the opening. The gonozooids are typically smaller and less numerous, and they are responsible for the production of reproductive medusae (jellyfish).
The colonies of Antennella are typically attached to hard substrates such as rocks, shells, or seaweed. The polyps are connected by a network of stolons (stems) that run along the substrate. These stolons are often covered in a thin layer of perisarc (a chitinous covering that helps to protect the colony).
Environments
Antennella species are found in a wide range of marine environments, including coastal waters, estuaries, and deep-sea habitats. They are typically found in areas with moderate to high levels of current and nutrient availability. The specific habitat preferences of Antennella species vary, with some species preferring rocky shores while others are found in sandy or muddy bottoms.
References
For more information on Antennella, please consult the following resources: