Pronunciation: [hˈa͡ɪdɹanθ] (IPA) 
The word "Hydranth" is spelled with a "y" instead of an "i" because it derives from the Greek word "hudrá" (water) and "ánthos" (flower). The "y" is used to represent the Greek letter "upsilon" which has a sound similar to the "u" in "flu". The phonetic transcription of "Hydranth" is /ˈhaɪdrænθ/, with the stress on the first syllable. This word refers to the part of a hydrozoan polyp that contains the mouth and tentacles.
A hydranth, in the field of marine biology, refers to the specialized feeding polyp found in certain members of the phylum Cnidaria, including colonial hydrozoans such as hydrocorals, hydroids, and some sea anemones. It represents a distinct morphological structure within the colony and is responsible for capturing and ingesting food particles.
The hydranth typically possesses a cylindrical body, consisting of a central mouth surrounded by numerous tentacles. These tentacles are equipped with specialized stinging cells called cnidocytes, which contain nematocysts – small harpoon-like structures capable of injecting toxins into prey or predators. The cnidocytes aid in immobilizing or killing small organisms, which are then guided towards the mouth for consumption. Additionally, the tentacles play a role in respiration and waste elimination.
Hydranths are highly adaptable and exhibit variations in form and function across different species. While some hydranths are sessile and firmly attached to a substrate or the colony, others may possess the capability to extend and retract, allowing movement to capture prey effectively. In some hydrocorals, the hydranths are aggregated to form distinct feeding structures known as gastroids.
Overall, the hydranth represents a vital component of cnidarian colonies, harnessing the ability to procure nourishment and contribute to the survival and growth of the entire colony.
The word "hydranth" is derived from the combination of two Greek words: "hydro" meaning "water" and "anthos" meaning "flower". The term was originally coined in the field of zoology to refer to the specialized feeding polyp in certain types of marine organisms, such as hydroids and corals, which has tentacles resembling a flower. Over time, the word "hydranth" has also been adopted in other scientific contexts, such as botany, to describe similar structures.
