Summary
Physical Description
Ecology
Life History & Behaviour
Hormesis Experiment
Anatomy & Physiology
Evolution & Systematics
Biogeographic Distribution
Conservation & Threats
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Summary
Myrionema hargitti is a colonial hydrozoan of the order Anthoathecata, so named due to the absence of an enclosing theca structure. The Myrionema genus was first discovered in 1893 (Schuchert 2008), while today it is a common tropical biofoulant, found aggressively colonising reef aquariums, proving difficult to eradicate.
Its resilience can in part be described by the physiological phenomenon of hormesis, demonstrated in a number of hydrozoans. Stimulated colonial growth has been observed in moderately toxic environments, such as in low salinities. This can explain the wide geographic distribution of the genus, and the extensive success of colonial settlement and development. A combination of photosynthetic and predatorial capabilities further strengthens the survival of this resilient hydrozoan.
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