So, I just found some really cool information on some of my characteristics and where some of my relatives within my species are located. Tubularia indivisa are most commonly found around the coast of the British Isles, but some can also be found on the upper north and west coasts of North America! I normally set up shop on hard rocks or in shallow waters, but I also can be found in deep waters. As a smaller hydroid, I have the tendency to let other organisms move in and set up their homes on my tentacles. I also have the ability to “…change the features of the geological habitat, becoming habitat formers by affecting water movement and light penetration and providing settling space, shelter, or food to several associated species, so enhancing local biodiversity.” (Di Camillo et al. 399). I’m basically a superhero.
I also found out I have an arch nemesis. The nudibranchs eat my pretty polyps and what makes it worse is that my polyps are only present in th Spring! Its ok though because I always grow them back!!
Di Camillo, Cristina Gioia et al. “Hydroids (Cnidaria, Hydrozoa): A Neglected Component of Animal Forests.” Marine Animal Forests: The Ecology of Benthic Biodiversity Hotspots 397–427. 20 Mar. 2017, doi:10.1007/978-3-319-21012-4_11
Edwards, R.V. 2008. Tubularia indivisa Oaten pipes hydroid. In Tyler-Walters H. and Hiscock K. Marine Life Information Network: Biology and Sensitivity Key Information Reviews, [on-line]. Plymouth: Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom. [cited 29-01-2023]. Available from: https://www.marlin.ac.uk/species/detail/1967
OBIS, 2022. Global map of species distribution using gridded data. Available from: Ocean Biodiversity Information System. www.iobis.org. Accessed: 01-28-2023 (map)
Semenov, Alexander. “Nudibranch Feeding On A Hydroid.” Pixels, September 29th, 2019, https://pixels.com/featured/1-nudibranch-feeding-on-a-hydroid-alexander-semenovscience-photo-library.html. Accessed on January 28th, 2023. (photo of oaten pipes hydoid)