Ascidia ceratodes is a species of tunicate belonging to the family Ascidiidae. It is commonly known as a sea squirt and can be found in a variety of marine environments.
Description & Characteristics
Ascidia ceratodes is a solitary ascidian, meaning it does not form colonies. It has a sac-like body with two siphons, one for inhaling water and the other for expelling it. The body is typically white or yellowish in color and can reach a maximum size of about 5 cm in length.
Habitat and Occurrence
Ascidia ceratodes is a common inhabitant of intertidal and subtidal zones, often found attached to rocks, pilings, and other hard surfaces. It is typically found in shallow waters, with a depth range of up to 100 meters. Ascidia ceratodes is a prevalent presence in these aquatic ecosystems, thriving in both the neritic zone, which is the shallow water area near the coast, and the oceanic zone, which extends from the edge of the continental shelf to the open ocean.
Taxonomy
Ascidia ceratodes belongs to the Class Ascidiacea, Order Phlebobranchia, and Family Ascidiidae. These classifications reflect the evolutionary relationships between Ascidia ceratodes and other tunicates, highlighting its place within the broader context of marine invertebrate life.
Feeding
Ascidia ceratodes is a filter feeder. It draws water into its body through the inhalant siphon, filtering out plankton and other small organisms. These food particles are then captured by mucus on the gill bars and transported to the digestive system. The water is then expelled through the exhalant siphon. This feeding strategy allows Ascidia ceratodes to play an important role in the marine ecosystem by removing excess plankton and contributing to the food web.
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