Hydra oligactis
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[Photo] Hydra oligactis, also known as the brown hydra. Taken with dissection LM. By http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User:Brazucs

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Order: Hydroida
Family: Hydridae
Genus: Hydra
Species: Hydra oligactis

Hydra oligactis, also known as the brown Hydra, is a species of hydra found widely dispersed in the northern temperate zone. It is a common organism found in still waters from early Spring to late Autumn.

It is commonly found attached to the stems of water plants, the undersides of leaves , submerged twigs and on the surface of stones. When disturbed it retracts to a small brown blob which is easly overlooked. Gently sweeping through a clean weedy pond and allowing the collected water and leaves to stand in a jar will often reveal Hydra emerging after only a few minutes.

When in feeding mode, the fully extended tentacles are very long and may exceed 1 inch (25 mm) in length. In this condition the tentacles are very difficult to see with the naked eye and are often only revealed when a prey animal such as Daphnia is caught.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydra_oligactis

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