Candelabrum capensis, or gnome's hat hydroid, is a species of sessile hydroid cnidarian. It is a member of the family Candelabridae.[1][2]

Candelabrum capensis
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Cnidaria
Class: Hydrozoa
Order: Anthoathecata
Family: Candelabridae
Genus: Candelabrum
Species:
C. capensis
Binomial name
Candelabrum capensis
(Manton, 1940)

Description

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The gnome's hat hydroid grows to about 3 cm tall. It is a small conical hydroid with 30-40 adhesive knobs at its base. The cone is made up of 400-600 densely packed warty tentacles which contain the stinging cells. Its colour is variable, from a purple-brown to magenta or pale pink.[1]

Distribution

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This species is found around the southern African coast from Luderitz in Namibia to East London from the subtidal to at least 27m underwater.[1]

Ecology

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These animals are usually found among red seaweed and brown seagrass, singly or in small groups.[1]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d Millard, N.A.H. 1975. Monograph on the Hydroida of Southern Africa. Ann. S. Afr. Mus. 68:1-513
  2. ^ "WoRMS - World Register of Marine Species - Candelabrum capensis (Manton, 1940)". marinespecies.org. Retrieved 2021-01-18.