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European hydromedusa Eleutheria dichotoma (Cnidaria: Hydrozoa: Anthomedusae) found at high densities in New South Wales, Australia: distribution, biology and habitat

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  15 June 2006

Ceridwen Fraser
Affiliation:
Australian Museum, 6 College Street, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
María Capa
Affiliation:
Australian Museum, 6 College Street, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
Peter Schuchert
Affiliation:
Muséum d'Histoire Naturelle, CP 6434, CH-1211 Genève 6, Switzerland
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Abstract

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Eleutheria dichotoma, a hydrozoan not previously recorded from the southern hemisphere, was found at high densities at several locations along the coast of New South Wales (NSW), Australia, between August and November 2005. The identity of the species was confirmed by morphological and molecular (16S rDNA) comparisons with European specimens. Local densities, distribution and habitat (algal substrate) were examined. The medusae were found along a 400 km stretch of coastline between Bateau Bay (33°23′S 151°29′E) and Pebbly Beach (35°35′S 150°43′E), primarily on the green alga Ulva, at mean densities of more than 50 individuals per 10 cm2 plot. The species is probably a recent introduction to Australia.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
2006 Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom