List of hydroids of the Houtman Abrolhos facts for kids

A total of 38 different types of hydroids have been found at the Houtman Abrolhos. Hydroids are tiny sea animals related to jellyfish and corals. Most of these hydroids, 34 of them, are called leptothecates. The rest are anthoathecates. A large number, 35 species (92%), like to attach themselves to cool-water algae. The others prefer to live on coral rocks. This article lists the hydroids found in this special place.

Discovering Hydroids at Houtman Abrolhos

The Houtman Abrolhos is a group of islands off the coast of Western Australia. It is known for its amazing marine life. Scientists have found many different kinds of hydroids living there. These small creatures are an important part of the ocean's ecosystem.

What Are Hydroids?

Hydroids are fascinating animals that live in the ocean. They are part of a group called Cnidaria, which also includes jellyfish, sea anemones, and corals. Most hydroids look like tiny plants or feathers. They attach themselves to rocks, seaweed, or other surfaces. They have small tentacles that they use to catch tiny food particles floating in the water.

Where is Houtman Abrolhos?

The Houtman Abrolhos is a chain of 122 islands. It is located in the Indian Ocean, about 80 kilometers (50 miles) off the coast of Western Australia. This area is unique because it is where warm tropical waters meet cooler southern waters. This mix creates a perfect home for many different kinds of marine animals and plants.

Two Main Groups of Hydroids

The hydroids found at Houtman Abrolhos belong to two main scientific groups: Anthoathecatae and Leptothecatae. These names might sound complicated, but they simply describe different features of these tiny animals.

Anthoathecatae Hydroids

Anthoathecatae hydroids are one of the two main types. They often have a simpler body structure. Here are some examples of Anthoathecatae hydroids found at Houtman Abrolhos:

• Sarsia eximia (from the Corynidae family)
• Candelabrum harrisoni (from the Candelabridae family)
• Eudendrium ?minutum (from the Eudendriidae family)
•  ?Perarella sp. (from the Cytaeididae family)

Leptothecatae Hydroids

Leptothecatae hydroids are the more common type found at Houtman Abrolhos. They often have a protective cup-like structure around their feeding parts. This group includes many different families and species. Here are some examples:

• Campanularia delicata (from the Campanulariidae family)
• Halecium delicatulum (from the Haleciidae family)
• Thyroscyphus macrocytharus (from the Thyroscyphidae family)
• Salacia desmoides (from the Sertulariidae family)
• Gattya trebilcocki (from the Halopterididae family)
• Pycnotheca producta (from the Kirchenpaueriidae family)
• Monotheca obliqua (from the Plumulariidae family)
• Aglaophenia pseudoplumosa (from the Aglaopheniidae family)

Hydroid Homes: Where They Live

Most of the hydroids at Houtman Abrolhos, about 92%, live attached to temperate algae. Temperate algae are seaweeds that grow in cooler waters. The remaining hydroids attach themselves to coral rock. This shows how adaptable these small creatures are to different environments in the ocean.

See also

In Spanish: Anexo:Hidroides de Houtman Abrolhos para niños