Dendrodoa

Dendrodoa is a genus of sea squirts in the family Pyuridae. They are commonly known as “sea potatoes” or “sea cucumbers”. Sea squirts are marine invertebrate animals that are filter feeders, meaning they strain food particles from the water. They are a diverse group of animals, with over 2,000 species found in a variety of marine environments.

Characteristics

Dendrodoa species are typically small, with a body length of up to 5 cm. Their bodies are usually oval or cylindrical in shape, and they are covered in a tough, leathery tunic. This tunic can be smooth or wrinkled, depending on the species. They have two siphons, one for inhaling water and the other for expelling it. The inhalant siphon is located at the anterior end of the body, while the exhalant siphon is located at the posterior end. The two siphons are usually located on opposite ends of the body, but can sometimes be closer together, depending on the species.

Environments

Dendrodoa species are found in a variety of marine environments, including rocky shores, sandy bottoms, and seagrass beds. They are usually found in shallow water, but some species can occur at depths of up to 100 m. Dendrodoa species are often found attached to rocks, shells, or other hard substrates. They are also sometimes found buried in sand or mud.

References

More information about Dendrodoa species can be found on these websites: