- Hydra viridis
Taxobox
name = "Hydra viridis"
image_width = 250px
image_caption =
regnum =Animal ia
phylum =Cnidaria
classis =Hydrozoa
ordo =Hydroida
familia =Hydridae
genus = "Hydra"
species = "H. viridis"
binomial = "Hydra viridis"
binomial_authority = Linnaeus, 1767"Hydra viridis" (also known as "Chlorohydra viridis") is a species of "Hydra" found widely dispersed in the northern temperate zone. It is a common organisms found in still waters from early spring to late autumn. The characteristic green colour comes from cells of the unicellular alga
Chlorella within the cells of the gastrodermis. Because of this, they are generally less predacious than aposymbiotic hydra species [Matthias Habetha et al. The "Hydra viridis" / Chlorella symbiosis.] .It is most commonly found attached to the stems of water plants and the undersides of leaves including
duckweed . When disturbed it retracts to a small green blob which is easily overlooked. Gently sweeping through a clean weedy pond and allowing the collected water and leaves to stand in a jar will often reveal "Hydra virdis" emerging after only a few minutes. "H. viridis" in captivity will tend to congregate towards the light.When in feeding mode, the extended tentacles are generally only as long as, or shorter than the body.
References
Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.
