Article · Wikipedia archive · Last revised Jul 19, 2026

Candelabrum capensis

Candelabrum capensis, or gnome's hat hydroid, is a species of sessile hydroid cnidarian. It is a member of the family Candelabridae.

Last revised
Jul 19, 2026
Read time
≈ 1 min
Length
170 w
Citations
5
Source
Candelabrum capensis
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Cnidaria
Class: Hydrozoa
Order: Anthoathecata
Family: Candelabridae
Genus: Candelabrum
Species:
C. capensis
Binomial name
Candelabrum capensis
(Manton, 1940)

Candelabrum capensis, or gnome's hat hydroid, is a species of sessile hydroid cnidarian. It is a member of the family Candelabridae.12

Description

The gnome's hat hydroid grows to about 3 cm tall. It is a small conical hydroid with 30-40 adhesive knobs at its base. The cone is made up of 400-600 densely packed warty tentacles which contain the stinging cells. Its colour is variable, from a purple-brown to magenta or pale pink.1

Distribution

This species is found around the southern African coast from Luderitz in Namibia to East London from the subtidal to at least 27m underwater.1

Ecology

These animals are usually found among red seaweed and brown seagrass, singly or in small groups.1

References

References

  1. Millard, N.A.H. 1975. Monograph on the Hydroida of Southern Africa. Ann. S. Afr. Mus. 68:1-513
  2. "WoRMS - World Register of Marine Species - Candelabrum capensis (Manton, 1940)". marinespecies.org. Retrieved 2021-01-18.