Agnezia glaciata is a species of tunicate, a marine invertebrate belonging to the subphylum Tunicata. It is a filter feeder, drawing in water through an incurrent siphon and filtering out food particles such as plankton using a mucus net. This species is a significant part of the marine ecosystem, contributing to nutrient cycling and providing food for other organisms.
Description & Characteristics
Agnezia glaciata is characterized by its small size, typically reaching a maximum length of a few centimeters. The species is easily identifiable by its transparent body, allowing the internal organs to be visible. This translucent quality is a key feature of Agnezia glaciata and helps distinguish it from other tunicate species.
Habitat and Occurrence
Agnezia glaciata primarily inhabits rocky intertidal zones and shallow subtidal areas. This species is commonly found in the northeastern Pacific Ocean, particularly in the coastal waters of British Columbia, Washington, and Oregon. These regions typically experience moderate tidal fluctuations and a diverse range of marine organisms, providing favorable conditions for Agnezia glaciata to thrive.
Taxonomy
Agnezia glaciata belongs to the Class: Ascidiacea, Order: Phlebobranchia, and Family: Agneziidae. This classification places Agnezia glaciata within a large and diverse group of marine invertebrates, highlighting its evolutionary relationships with other tunicate species.
Feeding
Agnezia glaciata, like other tunicates, is a filter feeder. It draws in water through an incurrent siphon and filters out food particles, primarily plankton, using a mucus net. This feeding mechanism allows Agnezia glaciata to efficiently capture food from the surrounding water, playing a crucial role in the food chain of the marine ecosystem.
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