Sea Squirt – Ascidia conchilega

, Sea Squirt, Ascidia conchilega

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Amvrakikos Gulf, Andaman Sea, Arabian Sea, Aral Sea, Arctic Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, Baltic Sea, Barents Sea, Bay of Bengal, Bay of Biscay, Beaufort Sea, Bering Sea, Black Sea, Bohai Sea, Cantabrian Sea, Celtic Sea, Chukchi Sea, Coral Sea, Dead Sea, English Channel, German Bight, Great Barrier Reef, Greenland Sea, Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Fonseca, Gulf of Maine, Gulf of Mexico, Gulf of Saint Lawrence, Halmahera Sea, Iberian Sea, Indian Ocean, Java Sea, Korinthiakos Gulf, Labrador Sea, Levantine Sea, Lingayan Gulf, Mediterranean Sea, Moro Gulf, Okhotsk Sea, Pacific Ocean, Pagassitikos Gulf, Salish Sea, Saronikos Gulf, Scotia Sea, Sea of Azov, Sea of Marmara, Siberian Sea, South China Sea, Southern Ocean, Thermaikos Gulf

The Sea Squirt – Ascidia conchilega is a fascinating marine invertebrate belonging to the tunicate family. It is a filter feeder, consuming plankton from the water column through a complex filtration system. This species is commonly found in various marine environments, playing a crucial role in the balance of these ecosystems.

Description & Characteristics

The Ascidia conchilega, commonly known as the Sea Squirt, is a solitary ascidian. It possesses a distinct, sac-like body structure typically ranging in size from a few centimeters to several centimeters in length. This species is often identified by its distinctive tunic, which can be smooth or slightly textured.

Habitat and Occurrence

The Ascidia conchilega thrives in a variety of marine habitats, often attaching itself to rocks, shells, and other hard surfaces. Its distribution encompasses diverse marine zones, including the intertidal, subtidal, and deeper regions. The Sea Squirt is often found in rocky shores, sheltered bays, and even in the vicinity of estuaries and harbors. Its ability to tolerate a wide range of salinities and water temperatures contributes to its widespread presence in these diverse environments.

Taxonomy

The Ascidia conchilega belongs to the class Ascidiacea, which encompasses a diverse group of marine invertebrates. Further categorization places it within the order Phlebobranchia, known for their specific feeding mechanisms and body structures. Within this order, the species falls under the family Ascidiidae, a group characterized by solitary and colonial tunicates. The scientific classification highlights the evolutionary relationships and shared characteristics within this fascinating group of marine organisms.

Feeding

The Ascidia conchilega is a filter feeder, relying on a specialized system to extract food from the surrounding water. It actively draws in water through an incurrent siphon, which is lined with a fine mesh-like structure. This structure traps microscopic food particles, primarily plankton, which are then directed towards the digestive system. The water is expelled through an excurrent siphon, completing the filtration process. This feeding strategy is highly efficient, enabling the Sea Squirt to thrive in diverse marine environments.

Associated Species

Image References

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