Hydra viridissima

H. viridissima taken with dark-field microscopy

The green hydra ( Hydra viridissima syn. Chlorohydra viridissima ) is a Süßwasserpolypenart.

Description

The green hydra is 10 to 15 millimeters long and by the single-celled algae living symbiotically within the cells of their gastroderm ( Zoochlorellen ) light green. She has six to twelve tentacles around the mouth, which are shorter than the body. The green Hydra can survive long periods of starvation, because it is supplied by the symbiotic algae with sugar. The body is cylindrical and end at the mouth a little wider than the foot end.

H. viridissima

Habitat

The green hydra lives in standing, clear, somewhat shady and cool waters with fresh water, eg forest ponds. She lives here sessile on aquatic plants, such as under lily pads.