Morphological study and taxonomical notes on Eudendriidae (Cnidaria: Hydrozoa: Athecatae/Anthomedusae)

The morphology of 25 species of the family Eudendriidae was studied, with special regard to their reproductive organs, using techniques of SEM and optical microscopy. Whenever possible a re-analysis of the diagnostic characters of these species was carried out. Furthermore, several synonymies were confirmed or discussed and remarks on taxonomical details are presented. A developmental (ontogenetical) series is proposed for the reproductive differentiation, and its usefulness for phylogenetic analysis is considered.