PORT PHILLIP BAY


Hydroid 

Aglaophenia plumosa 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 tree-like or bushy (arborescent). Colour: colony and corbulae pale grey, gonophores white to cream. Up to 5 cm high.

Biology

This is one of the most spectacular and graceful hydroids in southern Australia. The often form dense colonies on sponges and ascidians. Their colonies grow and become fertile in autumn to winter.

Habitat

On sponges and compound ascidians, in sheltered waters.

Reefs

Distribution guide

New Zealand and southern Australia.

Species Group

Hydroids

Depth

Shallow (1-30 m)

Water Column

On or near sea floor

Max Size

5 cm

Diet

Plankton or Particles

Harmful

Generally not harmful but still able to sting bare skin.

Commercial Species

No

Global Dispersal

Recorded in Australia

Species Code

MoV 3465

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 plumosa, in Taxonomic Toolkit for marine life of Port Phillip Bay, Museum Victoria, accessed 06 Jul 2025, http://136.154.202.208:8098/species/7094

Text: creative commons cc by licence