Description and Phylogenetic Characterization of Hydra from Naukuchiatal (Uttarakhand, India) and Comparison with other Hydra Strains

Hydra, a fresh water Cnidarian, has been used as a model system to study regeneration and pattern formation. Here we report a newly identified hydra from Naukuchiatal, India. Comparison of Hydra vulgaris Naukuchiatal with Hydra magnipapillata, Hydra vulgaris AEP and Hydra vulgaris Ind-Pune showed variations in morphology. Nema arrangement in holotrichous isorhiza nematocytes showed transverse coiling pattern, a characteristic feature of the ‘vulgaris’ group. Phylogenetic analysis using conserved mitochondrial genes confirmed that Naukuchiatal hydra belongs to the ‘vulgaris’ group though it is a different strain particular to the type locality. Its morphological peculiarities could be the result of pristine environment.