Distaplia

Characteristics

Members of the genus Distaplia are colonial tunicates, meaning they form interconnected groups of individuals called zooids. Each zooid is enclosed in a tough, leathery tunic, which gives the colony its overall shape. These colonies can vary in size and form, from small, rounded clumps to large, branching structures. Distaplia species are typically brightly colored, often displaying shades of orange, red, or yellow.

Zooids in Distaplia colonies are interconnected through a shared circulatory system and a network of stolons, which are thin, thread-like structures that allow for the transfer of nutrients and other substances. Each zooid possesses a pair of siphons: an incurrent siphon, which draws in water, and an excurrent siphon, which expels water after filtering out food particles.

Habitat and Distribution

Distaplia species are found in marine environments worldwide, typically inhabiting shallow, coastal waters. They are commonly found attached to rocks, seaweed, and other hard surfaces. Some species can also be found on piers, docks, and ship hulls.

Feeding and Reproduction

Distaplia species are filter feeders, using their incurrent siphons to draw in water containing microscopic plankton and other organic matter. The water is then filtered through a specialized structure called the pharynx, which captures food particles.

Reproduction in Distaplia can occur both sexually and asexually. Sexual reproduction involves the release of sperm and eggs into the water, where fertilization occurs. Asexual reproduction occurs through budding, where new zooids are produced from existing ones.

Selected Species

The genus Distaplia includes a number of species, some of the most common being:

• Distaplia occidentalis
• Distaplia vera
• Distaplia laevigata
• Distaplia ocellata
• Distaplia corrugata

References

• WoRMS - World Register of Marine Species
• ResearchGate - Distaplia laevigata