Bougainvillia ramosa (van Beneden, 1844)

Description: An irregular bushy hydroid, forming a colony which is somewhat conical in outline. The individual polyps are athecate with two rings of tentacles angled to each other. The reproductive structures produce free-swimming medusae. Colonies measure 70-120mm in height, polyps are about 3mm in length.

Habitat: Usually in fairly wave sheltered conditions, often in slightly reduced salinity.

Distribution: Widespread in the British Isles.

Similar Species: A rather non-descript straggly hydroid, with no good distinguishing features.

Key Identification Features:

• When fertile small bell-like medusae are released from bunches on the side branches
• Simple tubular stems webbed together to form a colony

Distribution Map from BioMar data for Ireland - Google Earth map:  download this placemark (not got Google Earth installed?)

Distribution Map from NBN: JNCC MNCR Seasearch data - Grid map : Interactive map : National Biodiversity Network mapping facility, data for UK.