Aplidium variabile is a colonial tunicate species, commonly known as a sea squirt. This fascinating creature exhibits a remarkable ability to adapt its appearance and form colonies with varying shapes and sizes.
Description & Characteristics
Aplidium variabile colonies can reach a maximum size of about 5 centimeters in diameter. They display a diverse range of colors, from pale yellow to a vibrant orange. The colonies often have a rubbery texture and can be found in a variety of shapes, including rounded, lobed, or branching forms. Each colony is made up of numerous individual zooids, each a tiny, filter-feeding organism. These zooids are interconnected, forming a complex network within the colony.
Habitat and Occurrence
Aplidium variabile prefers a variety of marine environments, including rocky shores, piers, and docks. It is most commonly found in intertidal zones, but can also occur in subtidal areas. The species is known to inhabit both the neritic and oceanic zones, indicating its ability to adapt to different depths and salinity levels.
Taxonomy
Aplidium variabile belongs to the Class Ascidiacea, a group of marine invertebrates that are commonly known as sea squirts. This class is further subdivided into the Order Aplousobranchia, which includes tunicates that lack a distinct branchial sac. Aplidium variabile is a member of the Family Polyclinidae, a family characterized by colonies composed of numerous zooids.
Feeding
Like other tunicates, Aplidium variabile is a filter feeder. It obtains its nutrition by drawing water into its body and filtering out microscopic plankton and other organic matter. The water is then expelled through a separate siphon, completing the feeding process.
Image References