Dendrodoa carnea, commonly known as the “carnea sea squirt,” is a solitary tunicate belonging to the family Styelidae. These fascinating creatures are filter feeders, playing a crucial role in marine ecosystems. They are often found attached to surfaces, particularly rocks and seaweeds, in the intertidal zone.
Description & Characteristics
Dendrodoa carnea exhibits a characteristically elongated, cylindrical body with a smooth, fleshy texture. Its color can range from a pale, pinkish-white to a more vibrant reddish hue. These sea squirts typically reach a maximum size of 5 cm in length. The exterior of their body is covered in a tough, leathery tunic, providing protection and support.
Habitat and Occurrence
Dendrodoa carnea is typically found in the intertidal and shallow subtidal zones, with a depth range extending from the low tide mark to approximately 10 meters. They prefer rocky substrates and are often associated with kelp forests and other algal communities. This species has a widespread distribution, occurring along the coasts of the North Atlantic Ocean, including the British Isles, Scandinavia, and the eastern coast of North America.
Taxonomy
Dendrodoa carnea is a member of the Class Ascidiacea, a group of marine invertebrates characterized by their sac-like body structure. Within this class, it belongs to the Order Stolidobranchia, which encompasses a diverse range of tunicates with a distinctive gill structure. The family Styelidae, to which Dendrodoa carnea belongs, consists of solitary ascidians that often possess a leathery tunic.
Feeding
Like other ascidians, Dendrodoa carnea is a filter feeder. They draw water into their bodies through siphons, filtering out microscopic organisms, such as phytoplankton and zooplankton. The filtered water is then expelled through a separate exhalant siphon. This feeding mechanism allows Dendrodoa carnea to play a vital role in marine food webs, contributing to the overall health and productivity of coastal ecosystems.
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