Hidrozoário colonial flutuante, vista aboral - dactilozoóides distendidos
Porpita is a colonial hydrozoan which lives floating on the sea surface. The polyps are arranged concentrically on the lower surface of a hard, chitinous central disk. There is a large central polyp (gastrozooid) around of which are arranged numerous gastro-gonozoids, polyps responsible for food intake and production of jellyfish. The dactilozooids are the polyps responsible for capturing food and defense, being located more externally.
The zoanthids have two types of larvae. The zoanthellas are cylindrical and have an ventral band of long cilia. The zoanthinas are oval or slightly elongated, with an equatorial band of cilia.
