Metandrocarpa thilenii is a species of tunicate, a marine invertebrate that belongs to the family Styelidae. It is a solitary ascidian, meaning it lives independently rather than forming colonies. This species is characterized by its distinctive morphology and plays a significant role in the marine ecosystems it inhabits.
Description & Characteristics
Metandrocarpa thilenii is a small to medium-sized ascidian, typically reaching a maximum size of about 5 centimeters in length. It has a cylindrical or oval-shaped body with a smooth, leathery outer surface. The body is usually covered in a thin layer of sediment, which helps to camouflage the animal from predators. The two siphons, which are used for water intake and expulsion, are located at opposite ends of the body. The siphons are short and inconspicuous, and the atrial siphon, responsible for expelling water, is often slightly larger than the oral siphon, used for water intake.
Habitat and Occurrence
Metandrocarpa thilenii is a common species found in the intertidal and subtidal zones, primarily in rocky habitats. It often occurs in clusters or aggregations, attached to rocks, kelp, and other marine substrates. This species is particularly prevalent in the neritic zone, which extends from the shoreline to the edge of the continental shelf. Metandrocarpa thilenii‘s distribution is widespread, encompassing a range of geographic locations and marine ecosystems, making it a significant component of these diverse environments.
Taxonomy
Metandrocarpa thilenii is classified within the phylum Chordata, a group of animals that includes vertebrates. It belongs to the subphylum Tunicata, commonly known as sea squirts or tunicates. Metandrocarpa thilenii is further classified under the Class: Ascidiacea, which encompasses all solitary and colonial ascidians. This species falls within the Order: Stolidobranchia, characterized by their simple body structure and unique feeding mechanisms. Finally, Metandrocarpa thilenii is a member of the Family: Styelidae, a family of solitary ascidians known for their often brightly colored bodies and their ability to reproduce both sexually and asexually.
Feeding
Metandrocarpa thilenii is a filter feeder, meaning it obtains its food by filtering water through its body. Water is drawn into the oral siphon and passes through a complex system of gill slits. The water then exits through the atrial siphon, leaving behind any food particles that have been trapped on the gill slits. Metandrocarpa thilenii feeds primarily on phytoplankton, microscopic algae that are abundant in marine environments. The species plays a vital role in the marine food web by consuming phytoplankton and converting it into a form that can be used by other organisms.
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