Campanulariidae

Campanulariidae
Colony of Obelia sp.
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
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 Laomedea angulata 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:

• Campanularia
• Clytia
• Gastroblasta
• Gonothyraea
• Hartlaubella
• Laomedea
• Obelia
• Orthopyxis
• Rhizocaulus
• Silicularia
• Zelounies (nomen nudum)

See also

• Clytia gregaria

References

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