The Sea-strawberry, Sea Squirt, scientifically known as Aplidium elegans, is a fascinating marine invertebrate belonging to the tunicate family. Its intriguing appearance and ecological role make it a captivating subject of study for marine biologists and enthusiasts alike.
Description & Characteristics
Aplidium elegans is a colonial tunicate, meaning it forms a colony of individuals known as zooids. These zooids are typically small, measuring a few millimeters in length, and are connected to each other by a common tunic, giving the colony a fleshy, often spherical shape that resembles a strawberry, hence its common name. The colony’s surface can range in color from pale yellow to orange or reddish-brown, adding to its vibrant appeal.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Sea-strawberry, Sea Squirt, Aplidium elegans, is commonly found in intertidal and subtidal zones, often inhabiting rocky shores, piers, and other hard surfaces. Its distribution extends from the North Atlantic to the Mediterranean Sea, making it a prominent resident of these marine ecosystems. The species is particularly prevalent in the infralittoral zone, an area between the lowest low tide mark and a depth of approximately 20 meters.
Taxonomy
Aplidium elegans belongs to the Class: Ascidiacea, Order: Aplousobranchia, and Family: Polyclinidae. This classification reflects its close relationships with other tunicates, highlighting its evolutionary history and shared characteristics within the phylum Chordata.
Feeding
The Sea-strawberry, Sea Squirt, Aplidium elegans, feeds primarily on plankton, tiny organisms that drift in the water column. The zooids of the colony filter feed by drawing water into their bodies through siphons, extracting food particles, and expelling the filtered water. This continuous process of feeding ensures the survival and growth of the colony.
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