Solanderia ericopsis facts for kids

Solanderia ericopsis is a special type of sea animal called a hydroid. It belongs to a group known as tree hydroids or sea fan hydroids. These creatures form very large, easy-to-spot groups called colonies.

These colonies can grow from 5 to 50 centimeters tall. Divers often notice them because they are so big! Most of the time, they look like a flat fan, but sometimes they can be bushy.

What's really cool is how long these colonies can live. One scientist watched a single S. ericopsis colony for over fifteen years near the Poor Knights Islands. During that time, it grew to its full height of 50 centimeters!

Where Does Solanderia Ericopsis Live?

Solanderia ericopsis is found only in New Zealand. It lives all around the country, but you'll see it most often near the North Island.

These hydroids can live in water that is not very deep, from 2 meters down to 200 meters. So, whether you're close to the surface or far below, you might spot one!