PORT PHILLIP BAY


Hydroid 

Aglaophenia parvula Bale, 1882

View scientific description and taxonomy

General Description

Colony of individual polyps (hydranths) joined by root-like network of tubular stolons at the base. Colony shape is feather-like (pinnate). Colour: stems and corbula variable greyish to yellowish brown, gonophores cream to pink.

Biology

This is one of the most spectacular and graceful hydroids in southern Australia. Their colonies grow and become fertile spring to late summer.

Habitat

On sponges and other invertebrates, in sheltered bays, below low water mark on jetty piles.

Reefs

Distribution guide

Southern Australia.

Species Group

Hydroids

Depth

Shallow (1-30 m)

Water Column

On or near sea floor

Max Size

Diet

Plankton or Particles

Harmful

Generally not harmful but still able to sting bare skin.

Commercial Species

No

Species Code

MoV 3464

Identify

Conservation Status

  • DSE Advisory List : Not listed
  • EPBC Act 1999 : Not listed
  • IUCN Red List : Not listed

Author

article author Watson, J.

Jan Watson is a consultant with expertise in hydroid taxonomy.

citation

Cite this page as:
Watson, J., 2011, Hydroid, Aglaophenia parvula, in Taxonomic Toolkit for marine life of Port Phillip Bay, Museum Victoria, accessed 06 Jul 2025, http://136.154.202.208:8098/species/7093

Text: creative commons cc by licence