Snail Fur (Hydractinia symbiolongicarpus)

Hydractinia symbiolongicarpus is a colonial hydrazoan species. They can be kept in bare dishes or bowls without any special equipment. Larger volume containers such as tanks are often best especially if Pagurus longicarpus is also in their enclosure as these hermit crabs can be territorial. Feed them freshly hatched Artemia nauplii several times a week, and clean the container manually after feeding. They primarily reproduce seasonally although spawning can be induced by exposing them to light across longer photoperiods. Planulae will settle on most hard surfaces, most typically the shells of gastropods inhabited by Pagurus longicarpus. You can offer glass/plastic slides, shells, or rocks for settlement. We use small pieces of obsidian. Hydractinia symbiolongicarpus do not have a medusa stage and will remain polyps in adulthood.