Aglaophenia Lamouroux 1812

Aglaophemia struthloides, magnified.

Aglaophemia struthoides.

The nematocysts of this hydroid have a very potent sting; the ensuing rash can last for several days. Approach these colonies with care.

This view shows the tiny, extended, feeding polyps that are surrounded by defensive tentacles especially rich in nematocysts. Reproductive structures are enclosed in the swollen orange corbula. From a floating dock, Monterey Harbor.

A closer view of two Aglaophenia plumes. The upper plume has corbulae with the reproductive gonophores.

This closeup of a plume shows the individual polyps in their hydrothecae (note some polyps are open and actively feeding while others are retracted). The large structures are a string of corbulae with the reproductive gonophores (and captive medusae) inside.

Aglaophenia sp. colony collected at 5 m depth off Sares Head. (Photo by: Dave Cowles, Jule 2006)