Lafoea dumosa (Fleming, 1828)

Lafoea dumosa

Description: The main stem of the colony is erect and composed of several fibres. The hydrothecae arise irregularly from all sides of the stem and branches. They are long and tubular in shape, tapering towards their base. They are attached to the main stem by a short pedicel. The rim of the hydrotheca lacks any opercular flaps. Gonothecae are rarely produced. Erect colonies to 100mm.

Habitat: The erect form is normally found on vertical surfaces or beneath overhangs, attached to bedrock or boulders.

Distribution: Widespread around the British Isles except in the southern North Sea and eastern English Channel.

Similar Species: It is debatable whether the other forms of Lafoea which consist of creeping stolons on other hydroids are distinct species.

Key Identification Features:

• Simple tubular hydrothecae
• Greenish coloration

Distribution Map: NBN map : National Biodiversity Network mapping facility, data for UK.

WoRMS: Species record : World Register of Marine Species.

iNaturalist: Species account : iNaturalist World Species Observations database