There are several types of Hydra that we can encounter in fresh water, for instance the Hydra Fusca, Hydra Viridis (Green Hydra) and the Hydra Vulgaris. All species have the same nutritional and environmental needs, only the appearance may differ slightly.
A hydra can have 4 to 12 tentacles with which they catch their prey and can reach a length of 3 centimeters. These tentacles are equipped with nettle cells that paralyze their prey. They can reproduce in various ways, including division. For example, if they are pulled through the middle, both parts will recover and live on.
They are also ambiguous (hermaphrodite) and can lay eggs without the need for two Hydras. These eggs can rest for a long time on the bottom until there are ideal conditions for them and the eggs will hatch.
They feed on water fleas, cyclops, fish larvae and young shrimps. They can enter an aquarium through plants, wood, live food, frozen food, etc.
The video was made using the Motic SMZ-171 stereo microscope in darkfield, together with the Moticam ProS5 Plus camera. This camera is one of the new Motic S Series and in this case it has been used because of its great light sensitivity.
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