''Solanderia ericopsis'' is a hydroid in the

family Family (from la, familia) is a group of people related either by consanguinity (by recognized birth) or affinity (by marriage or other relationship). The purpose of the family is to maintain the well-being of its members and of society. Idea ...

Solanderiidae ''Solanderia'' is the sole genus of hydrozoans in the monotypic family Solanderiidae. They are commonly known as tree hydroids or sea fan hydroids. Description ''Solanderia'' hydroids forms large colonies. They are one of about 1000 species of ...

, the group commonly known as tree hydroids or sea fan hydroids. ''S. ericopsis'' forms very large, conspicuous colonies from 5 to 50 cm in height, which are often noted by divers. They are usually strictly fan-shaped but can sometimes be bushy. The colonies can be unusually long-lived: during long-term monitoring of defined rock areas around the

Poor Knights Islands The Poor Knights Islands ( Māori: ''Tawhiti Rahi)'' are a group of islands off the east coast of the Northland Region of the North Island of New Zealand. They lie to the northeast of Whangarei, and offshore halfway between Bream Head ...

, one researcher observed a single colony of ''S. ericopsis'' over fifteen years, during which it reached 50 cm in height.

Distribution

''Solanderia ericopsis'' is found only in New Zealand, all around the country but mostly in the North Island; it can occur in rather shallow water, at depths ranging from 2 to 200 metres.

References

Solanderiidae Animals described in 1873 Invertebrates of New Zealand {{Anthoathecata-stub