2. Hydroids Hydroids are small colonial animals that are often confused as plants.

3. Hydroids They are sessile organisms that grow as bushy growths on pilings, rocks and other hard surfaces in the Chesapeake Bay.

4. Hydroids Hydroids are related to the jellyfish and have stinging tentacles, which they use to stun their prey before digesting it.

5. Hydroids Hydroids are carnivores, feeding on small plankton which drift by in the currents.

6. Hydroids The individual hydroid animals are composed of a stem-like base and a flower-like tip that contains the central mouth and tentacles.

7. Hydroids Colonies are large and be found over 30 cm in length. The branches usually appear to be a muddy brown color.

8. Hydroids Large colonies can often be found along the shore of the Chesapeake Bay in the spring.

9. Hydroids Hydroids can be a major problem for crabbers and other watermen since the hydroids often foul crab pots and nets.