Kirchenpaueria similis (Hincks, 1861)

Kirchenpaueria similis

Description: A feather-like hydroid with central main stem and numerous side branches arising in a flat plane. The side branches are composed of separate joints, one joint bearing a hydrotheca and defensive nematothecae alternates with a shorter joint bearing only nematophores. The gonothecae are spherical, borne sparsely along the central region of the colony. Typically to 50mm in height, smaller and more delicate than Kirchenpaueria pinnata.

Habitat: Usually found on sublittoral rocks in sheltered to moderately exposed conditions, with little or no tidal streams.

Ecology: The nudibranch Eubranchus doriae may be found feeding on this hydroid.

Distribution: Widespread around the British Isles.

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