Gas Mantle Ascidian – Corella parallelogramma

, Gas Mantle Ascidian, Corella parallelogramma

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Amvrakikos Gulf, Andaman Sea, Arabian Sea, Aral Sea, Arctic Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, Baltic Sea, Barents Sea, Bay of Bengal, Bay of Biscay, Beaufort Sea, Bering Sea, Black Sea, Bohai Sea, Cantabrian Sea, Celtic Sea, Chukchi Sea, Coral Sea, Dead Sea, English Channel, German Bight, Great Barrier Reef, Greenland Sea, Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Fonseca, Gulf of Maine, Gulf of Mexico, Gulf of Saint Lawrence, Halmahera Sea, Iberian Sea, Indian Ocean, Java Sea, Korinthiakos Gulf, Labrador Sea, Levantine Sea, Lingayan Gulf, Mediterranean Sea, Moro Gulf, Okhotsk Sea, Pacific Ocean, Pagassitikos Gulf, Salish Sea, Saronikos Gulf, Scotia Sea, Sea of Azov, Sea of Marmara, Siberian Sea, South China Sea, Southern Ocean, Thermaikos Gulf

The Gas Mantle Ascidian, scientifically known as Corella parallelogramma, is a captivating marine invertebrate belonging to the tunicate family. This species, found in various parts of the world, presents a fascinating glimpse into the intricate world of filter feeders and the diverse tapestry of marine life.

Description & Characteristics

The Corella parallelogramma, true to its name, exhibits a distinct parallelogram shape. This ascidian, also known as a sea squirt, possesses a tough, leathery outer tunic that protects its internal organs. Its size can reach up to 10 centimeters in length, with a maximum depth range of approximately 100 meters. These ascidians are typically found in a variety of colors, including shades of brown, green, and orange.

Habitat and Occurrence

The Gas Mantle Ascidian thrives in a wide range of habitats, demonstrating its adaptability to various marine environments. It can be found in shallow intertidal zones and extends to deeper waters, inhabiting both rocky reefs and sandy bottoms. Corella parallelogramma is a common resident of temperate and tropical waters, particularly in the Indo-Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. These marine zones provide ample food and suitable conditions for this fascinating ascidian to flourish.

Taxonomy

The species Corella parallelogramma is part of the larger tunicate family, specifically belonging to the Class: Ascidiacea, Order: Phlebobranchia, and Family: Corellidae. This classification reflects its close relationship to other ascidians, sharing a common evolutionary history and anatomical similarities.

Feeding

Corella parallelogramma, like many ascidians, is a filter feeder, consuming tiny particles of food suspended in the water. This includes plankton, microscopic organisms that drift through the water column. It employs a unique feeding mechanism, drawing water into its body through siphons, filtering out the food particles, and expelling the water back into the ocean. This method of suspension feeding plays a critical role in the ecosystem, ensuring the nutrient flow and maintaining a healthy balance in the marine environment.

Associated Species

Image References

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