Aplidium is a genus of colonial tunicates, commonly known as sea squirts, belonging to the family Polyclinidae. These small, sessile invertebrates are found in a variety of marine habitats worldwide, often forming colorful, gelatinous colonies on rocks, algae, and other hard surfaces.
Aplidium colonies are typically composed of numerous small, individual zooids, each encased in a gelatinous tunic. These zooids are interconnected by a network of stolons, which allow for the sharing of nutrients and communication. The colonies can vary greatly in size, shape, and color, ranging from small, inconspicuous clusters to large, vibrant masses.
Each zooid has a simple, sac-like body with two siphons: an incurrent siphon for drawing in water and an excurrent siphon for expelling filtered water. The water flow through the zooids allows them to filter feed, capturing microscopic organisms and organic matter.
Aplidium species are found in a wide range of marine environments, including:
They are often found in areas with strong currents, which provide them with a constant supply of food.
To learn more about the genus Aplidium, refer to these websites:
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