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Family: Campanulariidae
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Polyp: Generally monosiphonic, sympodial colonies, up to 80 mm high, arising from a creeping hydrorhiza. Main stem nearly straight or in zigzag, with internodes at regular intervals with a slightly laterally directed apophysis supporting the next internode. Pedicel ringed throughout, with about 10-14 rings. Hydrothecae campanulate, with nearly straight walls, rim thin, entire, sometimes with flat cusps with incisions between; diaphragm oblique; basal chamber conspicuous. Reproduction: Gonothecae cone-shaped, truncated distally with a short tubular neck; walls smooth. For details on medusae see Cornelius (1995b) page 288. Ecology and Distribution: Substrate generalist. Near cosmopolitan species. Known in Bocas del Toro from Punta Hospital. Similar taxa: Obelia, Clytia, other Campanulariidae in general Bocas Species Database Distribution: Bonaire, Aruba, Haiti, Venezuela, Colombia, Belize, and Panama. Characteristics: Obelia colonies are usually branched and can reach 30 cm in high. Hydrants are alternate and theca margins are even or crenate. Thecae can have a transversal diaphram All Obelia medusae lack of a velum and medusae belonging to different species are hardly distinguishable on morphological basis. |
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