Introduced Species

There are more than 3000 species of hydroids known world wide, with 200 species recorded in southern Australia. They are relatively small animals that usually form extended colonies attached to rocks or plants. Attached to the branches are cup shaped feeding polyps with a central mouth surrounded by tentacles. Small planktonic animals such as copepods are stung by the tentacles and then eaten. The three species listed are pictured here, with a general description below.