PORT PHILLIP BAY


Hydroid 

Bougainvillia muscus (Allman, 1863)

View scientific description and taxonomy

Scientific Details

See below for information.

Taxonomy

Phylum:
Cnidaria
Class:
Hydrozoa
Subclass:
Anthoathecatae
Order:
Filifera
Family:
Bougainvilliidae
Genus:
Bougainvillia
Species:
muscus

General Description

Colony of individual polyps (hydranths) joined by a root-like network of tubular stolons at the base. Colony shape is tree-like or bushy (arborescent). Colour: white. Up to 3 cm high.

Biology

This is a common species that is one of several to occur throughout Port Phillip.

Habitat

Reefs

Species Group

Hydroids

Depth

Shallow (1-30 m)

Water Column

On or near sea floor

Max Size

3 cm

Diet

Plankton or Particles

Harmful

Generally not harmful but still able to sting bare skin.

Commercial Species

No

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, Bougainvillia muscus, in Taxonomic Toolkit for marine life of Port Phillip Bay, Museum Victoria, accessed 27 Jul 2024, http://136.154.202.208:8098/species/7097

Text: creative commons cc by licence