Ralpharia magnifica Watson, 1980

Figures 17-24. Stages in development of the actinula and young hydranth of Ralpharia magnifica Watson, 1980. Fig. 17. Actinula with rudimentary tentacles, 20 hours after release from medusa. Fig. 18. Commencement of elongation of tentacles, 24 hours after release. Fig. 19. Actinula 2-4 days old, with fully developed tentacles. Fig. 20. Actinulae settling on to alcyonacean substrate. Figs. 21-24. Development of young hydranth. Fig. 21. Hydranth 12 hours after settlement, section of alcyonacean cut away to show penetration of hydrorhiza. Fig. 22. Contraction of tentacles, further development of pedicel and hydrorhiza 2 days after settlement. Fig. 23. Evagination of oral pole and commencement of differentiation of oral tentacles 4 days after settlement. Cut away section showing further development of hydrorhiza. Fig. 24. Young hydranth with growing oral tentacles and developing gastral cavity.

From Watson, J.E. (1980) The identity of two tubularian hydroids from Australia with a description and observations on the reproduction of Ralpharia magnifica gen. et sp. nov. Memoirs of the National Museum of Victoria, Melbourne 41: 53-63.

Photographer: Watson, Jeanette. Publisher: Watson, Jeanette.