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Tubularia

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Tubularia
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Cnidaria
Class: Hydrozoa
Order: Anthoathecata
Family: Tubulariidae
Genus: Tubularia
Linnaeus, 1758
Species

Tubularia is a genus of hydroids resembling furry pink tufts or balls at the end of long strings, spawning the common name as either the pink-mouthed or pink-hearted hydroid.

Description

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The average height of an individual colony is 4–6 centimetres (1+122+12 inches) and the diameter of the polyp and tentacles is 1 cm (12 in).

Tubularia occurs either individually or in colonies, both being dioecious and possessing large, brilliantly coloured, flowerlike hydrants. Medusae remain attached to the hypostome in clusters, never being dispersed.[citation needed]

Life cycle

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During the summer, sperm are released into the water and attracted to female reproductive structures by means of a chemical substance. Internal fertilization occurs in the female medusoids. The fertilized eggs develop into actinula.[1] These larvae develop directly into a new polyp. Although the medusa are attached to the polyp, the life cycle resembles that of typical Cnidarian with the polyp reproducing asexually and the medusa producing egg and sperm.[2]

Similar taxa

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Tubularia indivisa may be difficult to distinguish from Ectopleura larynx, with the two often growing together. The stems of E. larynx are branched while those of T. indivisa are not.[3]

References

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  1. ^ Somodevilla, Alina. "Ectopleura Larynx." Anima Diversity Web. University of Michigan Museum of Zoology.
  2. ^ Fish, J. D., and S. Fish. A Student's Guide to the Seashore. New York: Cambridge UP, 2011. Print
  3. ^ Characteristics." Ringed Tubularia - Ectopleura Larynx. 29 May 2015. Web.
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