Diplosoma
Diplosoma is a genus of colonial ascidians, commonly known as sea squirts, belonging to the family Didemnidae. These colonial tunicates are characterized by their distinctive, often brightly colored, compound organisms consisting of numerous zooids, each with its own distinct features.
Common Names
While the scientific name Diplosoma is the primary identifier, these organisms are also referred to as "compound ascidians" or "social tunicates" due to their colonial nature.
Characteristics
Diplosoma species exhibit several distinguishing features:
- Colonial Structure: They form colonies comprised of numerous individual zooids that are connected by a shared tunic.
- Zooid Morphology: Each zooid possesses a siphonal system for feeding and respiration. They have two siphons, an incurrent siphon for drawing water in and an excurrent siphon for expelling it.
- Coloration: Diplosoma colonies are often brightly colored, ranging from yellow and orange to red and purple, adding a splash of vibrancy to their marine environments.
- Reproduction: These ascidians reproduce asexually, forming new zooids through budding. They can also reproduce sexually, releasing eggs and sperm into the water for fertilization.
Environments
Diplosoma species are found in various marine environments, typically inhabiting shallow waters, often in association with coral reefs, rocky shores, and seagrass beds. They are often observed attached to substrates, including rocks, seaweed, and even other invertebrates.