Pseudodistoma cyrnusense is a species of tunicate belonging to the family Pseudodistomidae. It is a small, solitary ascidian commonly found in various marine environments.
Description and Characteristics
Pseudodistoma cyrnusense is characterized by its relatively small size, typically reaching a maximum length of a few centimeters. Its body is typically elongated and cylindrical, with a distinct opening at the top known as the siphonal aperture. This aperture serves as both the entrance for water and food and the exit for waste. The tunic, a protective outer layer, is often translucent, allowing a glimpse of the internal organs.
Habitat and Occurrence
Pseudodistoma cyrnusense exhibits a wide distribution, inhabiting a variety of marine zones, including shallow coastal waters, rocky shores, and even deeper reef environments. It is particularly common in the Mediterranean Sea, where it thrives in habitats, clinging to rocks, algae, and other surfaces. This species is also known to inhabit regions of the northeastern Atlantic Ocean, further expanding its geographical reach.
Taxonomy
Pseudodistoma cyrnusense belongs to the Class Ascidiacea, which encompasses a diverse group of filter-feeding marine invertebrates known as sea squirts. Within this class, it falls under the Order Aplousobranchia, a group characterized by their simple internal structure and lack of a distinct heart. The family Pseudodistomidae, to which Pseudodistoma cyrnusense belongs, is a group of solitary ascidians, often distinguished by their unique morphology and habitat preferences.
Feeding
Like other ascidians, Pseudodistoma cyrnusense is a filter feeder. It draws water into its siphonal aperture, filtering out microscopic organisms like plankton, algae, and bacteria. These food particles are then trapped and digested within the animal’s internal system. The filtered water, devoid of food particles, is then expelled through a separate opening called the exhalant siphon, completing the feeding process.
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