| Sertulariidae () |
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demersal; marine; depth range 86 - 402 m |
| Western Antarctic. |
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Colonies consisting of either incipient stems arising from stolonal hydrorhiza or numerous tangled stems and branches giving rise to a mass-shaped colony without distinct main stem. Branching frequent, irregular and in several planes; branches forming anastomosing tendrils distally. A few branches giving rise to new branches after such a stolonal part. Branches originating laterally at the hydrothecal base; plane formed by hydrothecae of lower-order branch perpendicular to that formed by those of previous branch. Branches and stems divided into hydrothecate internodes separated by oblique nodes sloping in alternate directions; one hydrotheca per internode. Hydrothecae large, almost cylindrical, placed on distal half of internode and abcaudally directed. Adcauline wall adnate to internode for less than half its length. Free portion of adcauline hydrothecal wall slightly convex. Abcauline hydrothecal wall slightly concave. Cusps of hydrothecal aperture sharp and separated by deep embayments. Hydrothecal rim repeatedly renovated. Perisarc of hydrotheca thin, collapsing easily.
Gonothecae ovoid, inserted at hydrothecal base by means of short pedicel. Wall of gonotheca smooth or wavy; gonothecal aperture at end of a short, distal neck with widening aperture. |
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Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. 123251)
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| harmless |
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