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Family: Plumulariidae
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Polyp: Colonies erect. Hydrorhiza tubular. Hydrocaulus monosiphonic, unbranched, divided into internodes by transverse nodes, geniculate. Hydrocladia alternate, each with only one hydrotheca. Hydrocladia inserted on apophyses, formed by a succession of thecate and athecate internodes, separated by oblique and transverse nodes. Thecate internodes with with hydrotheca associated to three nematothecae: one mesial inferior and two superior lateral. Hydrothecae cylindrical, with rim even, relatively deep, adcauline wall adnate for half its length, slightly concave free part, and straight abcauline wall. Athecate internodes with one central nematotheca. Nematothecae two-chambered and movable. Reproduction: Gonophores as fixed sporosacs. Gonothecae small, nearly spherical. Ecology and Distribution: Circumglobal species easily recognizable when gonothecae are present. In Bocas del Toro collected from the vicinities of Manuguar Cay. Similar taxa: When infertile, Plumularia setacea, Plumularia lagenifera. Bocas Species Database Distribution: Belize, Colombia, and Panama. |