The Rosy Poly-tunicate, Eusynstyela latericius, is a fascinating marine invertebrate found in various marine environments.
Description & Characteristics
This species is characterized by its distinct rosy pink color and its poly-tunicate structure, which is essentially a colony of individual zooids, each enclosed in its own tunic. The Rosy Poly-tunicate can grow to a maximum size of several centimeters, forming large, conspicuous colonies on rocks, shells, and other solid substrates.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Rosy Poly-tunicate is primarily found in the Subtidal, sublittoral, infralittoral, and deep zone of the oceans, extending from the lower limit of the intertidal zone (intertidal) to the shelf edge at about 200 m water depth. Eusynstyela latericius thrives in neritic marine environments, making it a common sight in these ecosystems.
Taxonomy
The Rosy Poly-tunicate, Eusynstyela latericius, is classified within the phylum Chordata, belonging to the Class Ascidiacea, Order Stolidobranchia, and Family Styelidae.
Feeding
Like many other tunicates, the Rosy Poly-tunicate is a filter feeder. It utilizes a specialized structure called a siphons to draw in water, filtering out plankton and other small organisms for sustenance. This efficient feeding strategy allows Eusynstyela latericius to thrive in its marine environments.
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