H. vulgaris can also move by bending over, grabbing a surface with its tentacles, releasing its grip with its "foot" and flipping over itself.

The nervous system and resulting behaviors have been extensively studied by Rafael Yuste et al. As of 2021[update], H. vulgaris is the only animal for which the connection between its neural structure and every single one of its behaviors has been solved, with the exception of the neural code of the neurons themselves.

[11] When hydra reproduce sexually, simple testes, ovaries, or both will develop on the bodies of an individual.

The egg forms a chitinous exoskeleton and waits for favorable conditions before the organism will emerge.

Budding occurs when conditions are favorable; proper water temperature and enough food are the major factors.