Ralpharia Watson, 1980

There are no structures of the sterile hydranth which distinguish Ralpharia from other genera of the Tubulariidae. Both Ectopleura Agassiz, 1862, and Hybocodon Agassiz, 1862, have firm perisarc covered stems and liberate medusae. The medusa of Ectopleura has eight nematocyst tracks on the exumbrella, and may have rudimentary tentacles, while the medusa of Hybocodon is asymmetrical, has one long tentacle and five nematocyst tracks. Both medusae have mouths. The medusa of Ralpharia, because of its brief free-swimming existence, has no mouth.

For description and discussion of the reproduction and development of Ralpharia, see:

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