Redescription of Dentitheca bidentata (Cnidaria: Hydrozoa, Plumulariidae), with notes on its life cycle

Abstract

Based on newly collected specimens and type material the plumulariid hydroid Dentitheca bidentata (Jäderholm, 1920) is re-described, and information on its life cycle provided. The specimens were found on algae, collected in shallow waters on the southeastern coast of Brazil. Dentitheca bidentata produces a shortlived medusoid. Male and female medusoids are typically present on the same hydrocaulus. Comparisons of the type material of D. bidentata and D. crosslandi indicate that the original description of the gonothecae of the latter was inaccurate and the two are here considered conspecific.

Keywords:

• Dentitheca
• Plumulariid
• Hydroids
• Systematics
• Life Cycle
• Medusoid