Campanulariidae

Campanulariidae
Colony of Obelia sp.
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Cnidaria
Class:	Hydrozoa
Order:	Leptothecata
Family:	Campanulariidae Johnston, 1836
Genera
See text

Campanulariidae is a family of animals in the phylum Cnidaria, or stinging-celled animals. Campanulariidae is composed entirely of hydroids, a Greek term meaning "water animals" applied to the plant-like polyp colonies of the class Hydrozoa. All species of the Campanulariidae are aquatic in habitat, primarily inhabiting coastal regions and tidal pools.

Obelia contains probably the most well-known species of this phylum, and include four species. All are around 20–35 cm in height with a series of branches carrying the individual polyps. One species, Obelia longissima, is unique for its ability to produce obelin, a photoprotein which allows for bioluminescence.

The genus Laomedea includes such species as and Laomedea flexuosa, which are similar in appearance to the Obelia, though they are smaller and lack a medusa stage present in Obelia.

Taxonomy and systematics[]

The following genera are classified in the family Campanulariidae:^[1]

• Campanularia
• Clytia
• Gastroblasta
• Gonothyraea
• Hartlaubella
• Laomedea
• Obelia
• (nomen nudum)

See also[]

• Clytia gregaria

Footnotes[]

References[]

• MarineSpecies.org (2008): Campanulariidae. Retrieved 2008-JUL-08.

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