CLASS HYDROZOA | |
Hydrozoans are solitary or colonial polyps. Most are sedentary, relying on medusae for dispersal. A few are pelagic (free-swimming). Polyps move their tentacles and stalks with simple muscle cells. Right: The deep water solitary polyp Branchicerianthus imperator from the seas of Japan. Below: Physalia spp. the Portuguese Man of War is a colony of polymorphic individuals specialised for catching prey, feeding, protection or reproduction. Suspended by a buoyant float, its tentacles expand and trawl for prey. Their virulent cnidocytes cause painful, sometimes lethal, stings to unwary swimmers as well as fish.  |
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