Induced Differentiation of Tentaculozooids in the Polymorphic Hydroid Stylactaria misakiensis (Hydractiniidae) by Competition with Leuckartiara sp. (Pandeidae) under Laboratory Conditions

Abstract

Zooid polymorphism in the hydrozoan species Stylactaria misakiensis (Hydractiniidae) includes tentaculozooids, in addition to gastrozooids and gonozooids. Laboratory experiments demonstrated that differentiation of such tentaculozooids was induced in response to stolon contact between the former and Leuckartiara sp. (Pandeidae) during interspecific competition for living space.