The Sea Squirt, scientifically known as Eusynstyela misakiensis, is a marine invertebrate belonging to the tunicate family. This species is a filter feeder, drawing in water and extracting food particles before expelling the filtered water. It is commonly found in the Supratidal (Supralitoral), spray water area (splash water area) above the tidal influence where the influence of the sea clearly outweighs that of the land.
Description & Characteristics
Eusynstyela misakiensis is a solitary tunicate, meaning it lives as an individual rather than in a colony. It has a characteristic sac-like body, usually measuring a few centimeters in length. The outer layer of its body, known as the tunic, is tough and leathery, providing protection.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Sea Squirt, Eusynstyela misakiensis, prefers to inhabit the Supratidal (Supralitoral), spray water area (splash water area) above the tidal influence where the influence of the sea clearly outweighs that of the land. This marine zone is characterized by its exposure to air and the occasional spray of seawater. Eusynstyela misakiensis can be found attached to rocks, seawalls, and other hard surfaces in this environment.
Taxonomy
The species Eusynstyela misakiensis is a member of the family Styelidae, which belongs to the order Stolidobranchia within the class Ascidiacea. This classification highlights its evolutionary relationship to other tunicates and its unique characteristics within the broader taxonomic framework.
Feeding
Eusynstyela misakiensis is a filter feeder, meaning it obtains its food by filtering small particles from the water. It draws water into its body through an incurrent siphon, where specialized structures capture food particles such as plankton and algae. The filtered water is then expelled through an excurrent siphon.
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