Gonothyraea loveni (Allman, 1859)

Description: This tiny hydroid is difficult to identify in situ, and microscopic examination is usually necessary for a positive identification. The stems of the colony arise from a basal stolon and branch irregularly. There is a series of regular annulations after each branch. The pedicels are annulate and arise alternately from the stems. The rim of the hydrotheca has a series of shallow notches . Both the male and female gonothecae are bell shaped and are situated on short, annulate pedicels. In mature colonies two or more sporosacs project from the capsule. Colonies typically measure 20-25mm in height.

Habitat: Typically grows on stones and algae in the infralittoral zone.

Distribution: Widespread in 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