Hybocodon prolifer is a species of hydrozoan (class Hydrozoa) belonging to the family Tubulariidae, within the phylum Cnidaria.
Taxonomy and Description The species was first described in 1860 (often cited as 1862 in the publication) by the Swiss-American naturalist Louis Agassiz in his work Contributions to the Natural History of the United States of America. The binomial name is Hybocodon prolifer Agassiz, 1860 (or Agassiz, 1862).
Morphology H. prolifer is distinct from other species of the genus Hybocodon in its medusoid (medusa) stage. It is characterized by having a single moniliform tentacle (a tentacle with a beaded or knobby appearance) arising from a tentacular bulb. This bulb also produces medusa buds asexually, a key distinguishing feature.
Distribution The species has a cosmopolitan distribution, meaning it is found in marine waters worldwide.
Taxonomic Notes
- The spelling Hybocodon prolifera is sometimes encountered but is considered an unaccepted spelling error.
- Synonyms include Tubularia prolifer (L. Agassiz, 1860), Hybocodon christinae Hartlaub, 1907, and Steenstrupia globosa Sars, 1860, among others.
Common Name In Japanese, it is known as ヒトツアシクラゲ (hitotsuashikurage).
