Symplectoscyphus tricuspidatus (Alder, 1856)

Symplectoscyphus tricuspidatus

Description: In this species the main stems are slender and they sometimes divide dichotomously. The side branches are arranged alternately, and often there is secondary branching. The hydrothecae are alternate, one to each internode. They are approximately tubular in shape and the margin bears three denticles. The operculum consists of three triangular flaps. The gonothecae are bell shaped, and taper towards the base, there are conspicuous, deep transverse ridges. The aperture is reported to be funnel shaped with a smooth rim, however this structure is often collapsed in preserved specimens.

Distribution: A northern species in the British Isles, most records are from the northern parts of the North Sea.

Similar Species: Similar in overall appearance to Sertularella species.

Key Identification Features:

• Extensively branched colony
• Three denticles on the margin of the hydrotheca

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