The Straight Needle-pteropod, scientifically known as Creseis acicula, is a small and slender species of pteropod, a type of sea snail. These delicate creatures are found in the open ocean, playing a vital role in the marine food web.
Description & Characteristics
Creseis acicula is characterized by its elongated, needle-like shell. This shell, typically less than 20 millimeters in length, is transparent and often tinted with a pale blue or green hue. The shell is fragile, making it susceptible to damage, especially during handling. The animal itself is a soft-bodied, bilaterally symmetrical creature with two wing-like appendages called parapodia. These parapodia are used for locomotion, allowing the pteropod to swim through the water column.
Habitat and Occurrence
Creseis acicula is a pelagic species, meaning it lives in the open ocean. It is commonly found in the epipelagic zone, the uppermost layer of the ocean that receives sunlight. This species typically inhabits the upper 200 meters of the water column, making it a prevalent presence in these aquatic ecosystems.
Taxonomy
Creseis acicula belongs to the class Gastropoda, which includes snails, slugs, and other similar mollusks. It is further classified under the order Pteropoda, a group of gastropods that have evolved for life in the open ocean. Creseis acicula is part of the family Creseidae, a family of pteropods distinguished by their elongated, needle-like shells.
Feeding
Creseis acicula is a suspension feeder, meaning it captures food particles that are suspended in the water column. Its diet primarily consists of diatoms and phytoplankton, tiny algae that form the base of the marine food web. It filters these food particles from the water using its gills.
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