Obelia

Obelia
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Cnidaria
Class: Hydrozoa
Order: Leptothecata
Family: Campanulariidae
Genus: Obelia
Peron and Lesueur, 1810
Species

Obelia is a genus of hydrozoans, a class of mainly marine and some freshwater animal species that have both polyp and medusa stages in their life cycle. Hydrozoa belongs to the phylum Cnidaria, which are aquatic (mainly marine) organisms that are relatively simple in structure with a diameter around 1mm.[1] There are currently 120 known species, with more to be discovered.[2] These species are grouped into three broad categories: O. bidentata, O. dichotoma, and O. geniculata. O. longissima was later accepted as a legitimate species, but taxonomy regarding the entire genus is debated over.[2]

Obelia is also called sea fur.[3]

Obelia has a worldwide distribution except the high-Arctic and Antarctic seas.[4] and a stage of Obelia species are common in coastal and offshore plankton around the world.[5] Obelia are usually found no deeper than 200 metres (660 ft) from the water's surface, growing in intertidal rock pools and at the extreme low water of spring tides.

  1. ^ Cite error: The named reference Sutherland-2016 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ a b Boero, Ferdinando; Bucci, Cecilia; Colucci, Anna Maria Rosaria; Gravili, Cinzia; Stabili, Loredana (10 September 2007). "Obelia (Cnidaria, Hydrozoa, Campanulariidae): a microphagous, filter-feeding medusa: Feeding of Obelia medusae". Marine Ecology. 28: 178–183. doi:10.1111/j.1439-0485.2007.00164.x.
  3. ^ P. K. Gupta (2007). Genetics Classical To Modern. Rastogi Publications. pp. 1–118. ISBN 9788171338962.
  4. ^ Cornelius, P.F.S., 1990a. European Obelia (Cnidaria, Hydroida): systematics and identification. Journal of Natural History 24: 535-578.
  5. ^ Cornelius, P.F.S., 1995b. North-West European thecate hydroids and their Medusae. Part 2. Synopses of the British Fauna (New Series), No 50.