- Norwegian: Athecate hydroider
Characteristics:
These hydroids always have a polyp stage during their life-cycle. The polyps of Athecate hydroids are not protected by a holster, in contrast to the polyps of the Thecate hydroids.
Taxonomy:
Athecate hydroids are one of two orders of hydroids. There are approximately 1200, all marine, species in the world today. Other names often used for this heavily discussed order, are Gymnoblastea and Anthomedusae. The order is divided in two suborders, Capitata and Filifera.