Plumulariidae
Plumulariidae is a family of hydrozoans, which are small, predatory animals that are part of the phylum Cnidaria. They are commonly known as plumulariid hydroids. Plumulariidae are colonial animals that live in marine environments, often attached to seaweed or other substrates. They are characterized by their distinctive feathery appearance, which is due to the arrangement of their polyps on branching stalks.
Common Names
Plumulariidae are commonly known as plumulariid hydroids.
Characteristics
Plumulariidae are characterized by their distinctive feathery appearance, which is due to the arrangement of their polyps on branching stalks. The polyps are small and usually have a distinct head with tentacles. The stalks are often covered in small, scale-like structures called hydrothecae, which protect the polyps. Some species also have specialized reproductive polyps called gonophores.
Environments
Plumulariidae are found in a wide range of marine environments, from shallow coastal waters to deep-sea habitats. They are often found attached to seaweed, rocks, or other substrates. Some species are also known to live as epibionts on other marine organisms.
References
World Register of Marine Species
NCBI Taxonomy Browser
The Plumulariidae (Hydrozoa, Cnidaria): an overview of their biology and ecology