Aplidium kottae is a colonial tunicate species, belonging to the family Polyclinidae. These colonial organisms are characterized by their aggregated structure, forming distinct colonies. The species is found in a variety of marine habitats, with a distribution that extends across diverse geographic regions.
Description & Characteristics
Aplidium kottae colonies are composed of individual zooids, each possessing a distinct morphology. The zooids within the colony are connected through a common tunic, a tough, leathery outer layer that provides structural support and protection. Aplidium kottae colonies are typically small in size, with maximum dimensions ranging from a few centimeters to a few inches.
Habitat and Occurrence
Aplidium kottae exhibits a preference for a variety of marine habitats. This species is frequently encountered on hard substrates, including rocky reefs, piers, and pilings. The distribution of Aplidium kottae extends to a wide range of depths, from shallow intertidal zones to deeper subtidal environments. Aplidium kottae is found in a variety of marine zones, including the neritic zone, which spans from the shoreline to the edge of the continental shelf.
Taxonomy
Aplidium kottae belongs to the Class: Ascidiacea, which encompasses a diverse group of filter-feeding marine invertebrates. Within this class, Aplidium kottae is classified in the Order: Aplousobranchia, characterized by a simplified circulatory system. Finally, Aplidium kottae is assigned to the Family: Polyclinidae, which contains a variety of colonial ascidians, all sharing a common structure of interconnected zooids.
Feeding
Like other ascidians, Aplidium kottae is a filter feeder, drawing water through its siphon and extracting food particles. The zooids within the colony are equipped with a specialized feeding structure known as a pharynx, lined with cilia. The cilia create a current that draws water into the pharynx, where food particles are captured and passed to the digestive tract. Aplidium kottae primarily consumes phytoplankton, microscopic algae, and other organic matter suspended in the water column.
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