The Bulb Tunicate, Sea Squirt, Solitary Ascidian, Yellow-lined Ascidian, scientifically known as Clavelina meridionalis, is a fascinating marine invertebrate belonging to the tunicate family. These small, solitary ascidians are commonly found in shallow coastal waters and are characterized by their distinctive yellow stripes.
Description & Characteristics
Clavelina meridionalis is a solitary ascidian, meaning it lives independently, unlike its colonial relatives. This tunicate exhibits a distinctive yellow hue, adorned with bright yellow lines running longitudinally along its body. Its translucent, leathery tunic, or outer covering, gives it a bulbous appearance, hence the name “Bulb Tunicate.” The maximum size of Clavelina meridionalis is typically around 3 cm, although some specimens may reach larger sizes.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Bulb Tunicate, Sea Squirt, Solitary Ascidian, Yellow-lined Ascidian, Clavelina meridionalis, thrives in a variety of marine environments, primarily within the intertidal and subtidal zones. They can be found attached to rocky substrates, seaweeds, and other marine life, making them a common sight in these areas. The Clavelina meridionalis has a distribution that stretches across the Mediterranean Sea, as well as parts of the Atlantic Ocean, indicating their adaptability to diverse marine environments.
Taxonomy
The species Clavelina meridionalis belongs to the Class: Ascidiacea, Order: Aplousobranchia, and Family: Clavelinidae. This classification places it within a group of marine invertebrates that are characterized by their sac-like body structure and filter-feeding mechanisms.
Feeding
Clavelina meridionalis, like many other ascidians, is a suspension feeder, relying on the movement of water to bring them food. They create a current using their siphons, filtering out tiny food particles from the surrounding water. These particles include various organisms like rotifers (Rotifera), bacteria (Bacterioplankton), copepods, phytoplankton, protozoa, and zooplankton. The Clavelina meridionalis traps these food particles in a mucus net, which it then consumes.
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