Cnidaria

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  Haliclystus sp. 

  • Description: Small stalked jellyfish belonging to the Staurozoa class. 
  • Key Identification Features: Goblet-shaped body with tentacles radiating from the margin; adhesive disc at the base for attachment. 
  • Habitat: Coastal, intertidal zones, often attached to seaweed or eelgrass. 
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• Chrysaora hyoscella (Compass Jellyfish) 

  • Description: Medium-sized jellyfish with distinctive radial symmetry. 
  • Key Identification Features: Bell with brown V-shaped markings resembling a compass; long, trailing tentacles. 
  • Habitat: Open water, pelagic environments. 
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• Aurelia aurita (Moon Jellyfish) 

  • Description: Transparent jellyfish commonly seen in coastal waters. 
  • Key Identification Features: Four horseshoe-shaped gonads visible through the bell; short, fine tentacles. 
  • Habitat: Coastal areas, bays, and harbors. 
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• Cyanea capillata (Lion's Mane Jellyfish) 

  • Description: Largest jellyfish species with a dense cluster of tentacles. 
  • Key Identification Features: Reddish-brown or yellow bell; long, hair-like tentacles that can extend several meters. 
  • Habitat: Cold, temperate, and Arctic waters. 
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• Rhizostoma sp. 

  • Description: Large, robust jellyfish with a smooth, rounded bell. 
  • Key Identification Features: Thick, opaque bell without tentacles but with frilly oral arms. 
  • Habitat: Coastal and offshore waters. 
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• Pelagia noctiluca (Mauve Stinger) 

  • Description: Bioluminescent jellyfish capable of glowing in the dark. 
  • Key Identification Features: Pink to mauve bell; long tentacles with stinging cells. 
  • Habitat: Open water; often seen near the surface at night. 
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• Velella velella (By-the-Wind Sailor) 

  • Description: Colonial hydrozoan with a distinctive sail-like structure. 
  • Key Identification Features: Blue, oval float with a sail that protrudes above the water surface. 
  • Habitat: Surface-dwelling, planktonic; often seen washed ashore. 
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• Hydractinia echinata 

  • Description: Colonial hydroid often found growing on hermit crab shells. 
  • Key Identification Features: Polyps with specialized feeding and defensive roles; spiny appearance. 
  • Habitat: Shells occupied by hermit crabs in shallow waters. 
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• Obelia geniculata 

  • Description: Colonial hydroid forming delicate branching structures. 
  • Key Identification Features: Transparent, jointed stems; tiny, bell-shaped polyps. 
  • Habitat: Attached to submerged structures, rocks, and seaweed. 
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• Physalia physalis (Portuguese Man o' War) 

  • Description: Colonial organism resembling a jellyfish but composed of specialized polyps. 
  • Key Identification Features: Gas-filled float (pneumatophore) with trailing tentacles that can deliver painful stings. 
  • Habitat: Surface waters in warm seas, often wind-driven. 
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• Alcyonium digitatum (Dead Man's Fingers) 

  • Description: Soft coral with fleshy, finger-like lobes. 
  • Key Identification Features: White, orange, or pink lobes; colony structure. 
  • Habitat: Rocky substrates in shallow and deep waters. 
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• Eunicella verrucosa (Pink Sea Fan) 

  • Description: Gorgonian coral forming fan-like structures. 
  • Key Identification Features: Pink branches covered in small polyps. 
  • Habitat: Rocky seabeds and reefs in deeper waters. 
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• Pennatula phosphorea (Sea Pen) 

  • Description: Soft coral resembling a quill pen. 
  • Key Identification Features: Central stalk with polyps extending outward. 
  • Habitat: Soft sediments in deeper waters. 
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• Cerianthus sp. 

  • Description: Tube anemones with long, delicate tentacles. 
  • Key Identification Features: Solitary polyps living in soft sediment tubes; long, non-retractable tentacles. 
  • Habitat: Soft substrates in shallow and deep waters. 
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• Corynactis viridis (Jewel Anemone) 

  • Description: Small, brightly colored anemones. 
  • Key Identification Features: Short, knobbed tentacles; vibrant colors including pink, green, and red. 
  • Habitat: Rocky substrates, often in caves or overhangs. 
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•  Actinia fragacea (Strawberry Anemone) 

  • Description: Large, red anemone with strawberry-like patterns. 
  • Key Identification Features: Bright red or orange with greenish spots resembling seeds. 
  • Habitat: Intertidal zones and rocky shores. 
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• Metridium senile (Plumose Anemone) 

  • Description: Tall, feathery anemone with soft tentacles. 
  • Key Identification Features: White, cream, or orange coloration; feathery tentacles. 
  • Habitat: Rocky substrates and pilings in coastal waters. 
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