Garveia
Garveia is a genus of small, colonial hydrozoans belonging to the family Corynidae. They are commonly found in marine environments worldwide, particularly in tropical and subtropical waters. The genus is named after the British zoologist, Edward Garvie, who first described the genus in 1887.
Common Names
Garveia species are often referred to simply as "hydroids" or "colonial hydroids." Some species have specific common names, but these are less widespread.
Characteristics
Garveia species are characterized by their small size, typically only a few millimeters in length. They form colonies of interconnected polyps, each specialized for a particular function. The polyps can be divided into three types: gastrozooids, gonozooids, and dactylozooids.
- Gastrozooids: These are the feeding polyps, responsible for capturing and digesting food.
- Gonozooids: These are the reproductive polyps, producing medusae, the free-swimming stage of the life cycle.
- Dactylozooids: These are the defensive polyps, armed with stinging nematocysts used to deter predators.
Garveia colonies are typically attached to substrates such as rocks, algae, or seaweeds. They are often brightly colored, ranging from white to yellow, orange, or red.
Environments
Garveia species are found in a wide range of marine environments, including coastal waters, estuaries, and open ocean. They prefer areas with moderate water currents and abundant food sources. They can be found attached to hard substrates such as rocks, shells, and seaweeds, as well as soft substrates such as sand and mud.