Harpiliopsis

Common Names

There are no widely used common names for Harpiliopsis species.

Characteristics

Harpiliopsis species are characterized by their colonial nature, with individuals (polyps) connected by a network of tubes called coenosarcs. They typically exhibit the following features:

• Polyps: They have specialized polyps for feeding (gastrozooids) and defense (dactylozooids).
• Gonophores: They reproduce through gonophores, which are specialized reproductive structures.
• Hydrothecae: These are protective cups that house the polyps.
• Hydrorhiza: This is the root-like structure that attaches the colony to the substrate.

Environments

Harpiliopsis species can be found in various marine environments, including:

• Coastal waters: They are often found in shallow, coastal areas.
• Estuaries: Some species can tolerate brackish water conditions.
• Deep sea: Certain species are found in deeper waters.

References

For further information on Harpiliopsis, you can consult the following references:

• World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS)
• PubMed