A subclass of hydrozoans (small marine animals related to jellyfish) characterized by having a protective covering or sheath around the hydroid colony.
From Greek kalyptein (to cover) plus blastea (bud or sprout), referring to the protective structure covering the colonial organisms. Used in marine biology since the 19th century.
Hydrozoans are some of Earth's oldest animals, and some species can actually reverse their aging process and become young again—their protective calyptoblastic structures might seem simple, but they house creatures with mind-bending biology!
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