Description
Ectopleura dumortieri is very similar to Tubularia indivisa at first glance. The
solitude standing is very characteristic for this hydroid and it will always be
on a spot with strong currents. It is a little bit paler then T. indivisa and the
stem has a different shape as well. T. indivisa has a double ring of tentacles and
a stem with equal diameter, E. dumortieri has a single ring of tentacles and a stem
that is smaller in diameter at the base. Reproduction is also different. E dumortieri
produces small medusae that swim in the water. This explains the solitude standing.
Size
The maximum height of the stem is 100 mm. The tentacles can have a length of 15
mm.
Colour
The stem is yellow to brown with pink to red polyps and transparent tentacles.
Habitat
Ectopleura dumortieri prefers a strong current and will always attach to hard substrata.
It can be found on depths between 2 and 10 m.
Distribution
North Atlantic Ocean, including Mediterranean Sea. South Atlantic and Indo-Pacific Oceans.