Perophora listeri is a solitary tunicate, a type of sea squirt, belonging to the family Perophoridae. These fascinating creatures are filter feeders, playing a crucial role in marine ecosystems by consuming plankton and other microscopic organisms.
Description & Characteristics
Perophora listeri features a translucent, elongated body shape, often resembling a small, pear-shaped sac. They typically reach a maximum size of around 5 centimeters in length. Their bodies are covered in a thin, gelatinous tunic, which provides protection and structural support. A distinct characteristic of Perophora listeri is its prominent siphon, which extends from the anterior end of the body. This siphon is used for both water intake and the expulsion of waste products.
Habitat and Occurrence
Perophora listeri is commonly found in shallow coastal waters, inhabiting intertidal zones and subtidal environments. They exhibit a preference for areas with moderate wave action and abundant seaweed growth. The species is typically found attached to various substrates, including rocks, piers, and even the undersides of floating docks. Perophora listeri is particularly abundant in the North Atlantic Ocean, where its presence is often observed in temperate marine zones.
Taxonomy
Perophora listeri is classified within the phylum Chordata, sharing ancestry with vertebrates. It belongs to the class Ascidiacea, which encompasses all sea squirts. Within this class, Perophora listeri is further categorized as part of the order Phlebobranchia, a group characterized by a single branchial siphon. Finally, Perophora listeri is a member of the family Perophoridae, a family of solitary tunicates known for their distinctive body shapes and feeding mechanisms.
Feeding
Perophora listeri is a filter feeder, relying on a continuous flow of water through its body to obtain food. Water is drawn into the siphon, passing through a specialized filter apparatus called the branchial basket. This basket is lined with numerous cilia, small hair-like structures that capture microscopic food particles, including phytoplankton, zooplankton, and detritus. The filtered water is then expelled through a separate siphon, while the captured food is transported to the digestive system for processing.
Image References