Gonophore

A gonophore is a reproductive organ in Hydrozoa that produces gametes. It is a sporosac, a medusa or any intermediate stage. The name is derived from the Greek words γόνος (gónos, that which produces seed) and -φόρος (-fóros, -bearing). The gonophores in the order Leptomedusae are borne on much reduced hydranths and are usually protected in a peridermal (i.e. belonging to a hydroid perisarc) gonotheca. Medusae forming on fully developed hydranths are extremely rare; usually the gonophores develop into medusae or into sessile sporosacs.

Gonophore

A gonophore is a reproductive organ in Hydrozoa that produces gametes. It is a sporosac, a medusa or any intermediate stage. The name is derived from the Greek words γόνος (gónos, that which produces seed) and -φόρος (-fóros, -bearing). The gonophores in the order Leptomedusae are borne on much reduced hydranths and are usually protected in a peridermal (i.e. belonging to a hydroid perisarc) gonotheca. Medusae forming on fully developed hydranths are extremely rare; usually the gonophores develop into medusae or into sessile sporosacs.