The Sessile and Planktonic Invertebrates Collection represents two major groups of marine animals.
The first are marine invertebrates that attach themselves (are sessile) to the seafloor and other substrates. This section includes corals, sponges, anemones, bryozoans, sea squirts and lamp shells (brachiopods).
The second component represents free-floating organisms such as jellyfishes, free-swimming sea squirts and comb jellies.
The total collection comprises approximately 45 500 lots of specimens across five of the major invertebrate groups (phyla).
This significant collection attracts considerable research attention from Australian and international researchers. This collection is actively growing through direct collection by Museum Victoria scientists via surveys and research programs ranging from intertidal field programs in Victoria to major deep-sea exploration projects in our region.
Targeted collecting commenced in 2005 in relation to the marine field guide series being produced by the Marine Sciences section of the museum. Regular donations of material are also made by external research organisations and collaborating researchers, particularly CSIRO, fisheries research bodies and universities. Collection growth is minimal (less than 0.5 per cent) annually.
The collection includes approximately 17 000 lots of Bryozoa (lace corals); 13 000 lots of Cnidaria (corals; jellyfish, box jellyfish, hydroids, anemones, sea pens); 3000 lots of Brachiopoda (lamp shells); 2500 lots of Chordata (sea squirts, salps); 10 000 lots of Porifera (sponges); and 25 lots of Ctenophora (comb jellies).
Significant items
- Significant type and figured material from some of the major historical workers of the time.
- A significant collection of type material from four current Museum Victoria honorary associates: J.E. Watson (Hydrozoa); P.E. Bock (Bryozoa); P.L. Cook (Bryozoa); and J.R. Richardson (brachiopoda).
- Bryozoa: type specimens of approximately 310 species; C.J. Maplestone (bryozoa collection); P.H. MacGillivray (bryozoa collection).
- Cnidaria: type specimens of approximately 320 species; W.M. Bale (hydroid collection); BANZARE (Antarctic hydroid collection); R. Condon (Port Phillip Bay jellyfish collection); J. Dennant (coral collection); G.H. Kirchenpauer (hydroid collection); R.E. Trebilcock (hydroid collection); J.E. Watson (hydroid collection).
- Brachiopoda: type specimens: approximately 16 lots; J. Richardson (brachiopod collection).
- Chordata: type specimens: approximately 35 lots; P. Mather (ascidians).
- Porifera: type specimens of approximately 110 species; A. Dendy (sponge collection); F. Wiedenmayer (Bass Strait sponge collection); J. Bracebridge Wilson (Port Phillip survey 1886–95: sponges); National Museum of Victoria Bass Strait 1979–84 (sponges); R. Capon and L. Goudie (bioassay sponge collection).