Styela rustica, also known as the common sea squirt, is a solitary tunicate found in coastal marine environments. This species, despite its relatively simple appearance, plays an important role in marine ecosystems, contributing to nutrient cycling and providing a food source for various organisms.
Description & Characteristics
Styela rustica is characterized by its sac-like body, typically ranging in size from a few centimeters to 10 centimeters in length. The outer surface of the tunicate is usually rough and leathery, often covered in small bumps or projections. Two siphons, one for inhaling water and the other for expelling it, are located at the top of the body. The color of Styela rustica can vary depending on its habitat, ranging from gray to brown, and sometimes even yellow or orange.
Habitat and Occurrence
Styela rustica is a common inhabitant of intertidal and subtidal zones, primarily in temperate and subtropical regions. It is often found attached to hard surfaces such as rocks, piers, and ship hulls. The species is particularly abundant in areas with strong currents and high levels of nutrients. Styela rustica can tolerate a wide range of salinities and temperatures, making it a successful colonizer of diverse marine environments. It is a common sight in the neritic zone, the shallow coastal waters of the ocean, and is frequently found in the infralittoral zone, the area between high and low tide marks.
Taxonomy
Styela rustica belongs to the Class: Ascidiacea, Order: Stolidobranchia, and Family: Styelidae. These tunicates, collectively known as sea squirts, are filter feeders that play a crucial role in marine ecosystems.
Feeding
Styela rustica is a filter feeder, drawing water through its incurrent siphon and filtering out food particles, primarily phytoplankton and zooplankton. This process involves a complex system of cilia, tiny hair-like structures, lining the pharynx, which create a current to draw water in and trap food particles.
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