Hydra viridissima

Hydra viridissima
Hydra viridissima
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Cnidaria
Class: Hydrozoa
Order: Anthoathecata
Family: Hydridae
Genus: Hydra
Species:
H. viridissima
Binomial name
Hydra viridissima
Pallas, 1766[1]
Synonyms
  • Chlorohydra viridissima (Pallas, 1766)[1]
  • Hydra viridis Linnaeus, 1767[1]

Hydra viridissima is a species of cnidarian which is commonly found in still or slow-moving freshwater[2] in the Northern temperate zone. Hydra viridissima is commonly called green hydra due to its coloration, which is due to the symbiotic green algae Chlorella vulgaris which live within its body.[3] These creatures are typically 10 mm long and have tentacles that are about half of their length.[4] They are strictly carnivorous and typically feed on small crustaceans, insects and annelids. Hydra are normally sessile and live on aquatic vegetation. They secrete mucus to attach to substrate using their basal disc.[4]

  1. ^ a b c "Hydra viridissima Pallas, 1766". World Register of Marine Species.
  2. ^ Hamrsky, Jan. "Hydra". Life in Freshwater.
  3. ^ Massaro, FC; Roscha, O (2008). "Development and population growth of Hydra viridissima Pallas". Brazilian Journal of Biology. 68 (2): 379–383. doi:10.1590/S1519-69842008000200020. PMID 18660967.
  4. ^ a b Wright, Jonathan (1997). "Hydra". Hydra: Facts Sheet.