Eudendrium

Eudendrium sp.

Material examined. Stn 30, one 15-mm-long stem fragment, with just two polyps (NIWA 117480).

Measurements (in µm). Cnidome: unidentified type (scattered on hydranth body) [range 14.0–17.0 x 7.5–9.0, mean 15.4±0.8 x 8.3±0.6 (n=9); ratio, range 1.7–2.0, mean 1.9±0.1 (n=9)]; microbasic euryteles (8.0–9.0 x 4.0–4.5).

Remarks. The scarcity of material and its infertile condition prevent me from identifying this species. It agrees with E. bentart in having completely ringed stems. However, it differs from this species by the shape and size of the larger nematocysts. In addition, both the microbasic euryteles and the polyps are larger (700–800 µm high) in Eudendrium sp.

Ecology and distribution. Species collected at a depth of 277 m, off Possession Islands.