Polyorchis penicillatus (Eschscholtz 1829)

No polyp stage of this hydrozoan has been recognized. Note the prominent eye spots.

In this closeup view the red spots at the ocelli, the pendant gonads, the long manubrium can be clearly seen. The lateral diverticula are also visible on several radial canals.

This freely swimming individual has its tentacles extended out farther than the one above does. Photo by Dave Cowles, July 2008

Another individual, photographed 2012. Note the long, dangling gonads inside the bell.

This individual, captured off Sares Head in August 2014, is much greener than the other individuals shown. I am not certain if the green is an intrinsic color or if it comes from algae living on the exumbrella. Bell diameter is about 4 cm.

Polyorchis penicillatus from Rosario Bay. About 3 cm long. (Photo by: Dave Cowles, June 2006)

Bodega Bay, California, United States