Peachia cylindrica, commonly known as the Sea Anemone, is a fascinating marine invertebrate belonging to the order Actiniaria. This species exhibits unique characteristics and plays a vital role in its aquatic ecosystem.
Description & Characteristics
Peachia cylindrica is a relatively small sea anemone, reaching a maximum size of around 1 centimeter in diameter. Its body is cylindrical, with a distinct oral disc at the top and a basal disc at the bottom. The oral disc features a ring of tentacles surrounding the mouth opening, which serves as the primary feeding apparatus.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Sea Anemone, Peachia cylindrica, is a common inhabitant of coastal waters, primarily found in intertidal zones and shallow subtidal environments. It thrives in marine zones such as the epipelagic and mesopelagic, exhibiting a wide depth range. This species is particularly abundant in areas with soft sediment, such as sand or mud, where it can burrow or attach itself to various substrates.
Taxonomy
Peachia cylindrica belongs to the Class: Hexacorallia, Order: Actiniaria, and Family: Peachiidae. These taxonomic classifications indicate its position within the broader grouping of cnidarians, which includes other marine invertebrates like jellyfish and corals.
Feeding
Peachia cylindrica is a carnivorous sea anemone, relying on a diet of small invertebrates. Its feeding habits include consuming zooplankton, copepods, amphipods, and other small crustaceans. Additionally, Peachia cylindrica is considered an azooxanthellat species, meaning it does not contain photosynthetic algae, and relies solely on consuming prey for sustenance. As a zoobenthos organism, Peachia cylindrica plays a crucial role in the benthic food web of its habitat.
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