Eusynstyela
Eusynstyela is a genus of colonial tunicates in the family Styelidae. These filter-feeding animals are commonly found in marine environments worldwide, often forming colorful and striking colonies on rocks, docks, and other hard surfaces. They are closely related to other colonial tunicates like Botrylloides and Botryllus.
Common Names
Members of this genus are commonly referred to as colonial sea squirts, a general term encompassing various colonial tunicates.
Characteristics
Eusynstyela species share several key characteristics:
- Colonial Structure: They form colonies composed of individual zooids, each resembling a tiny sac-like creature. Zooids are interconnected and share a common tunic, a protective outer layer.
- Filter Feeding: Like all tunicates, Eusynstyela species are filter feeders, using siphons to draw in water and extract microscopic food particles.
- Reproduction: They reproduce both sexually and asexually. Sexual reproduction involves the release of gametes into the water, while asexual reproduction results in the budding of new zooids from existing ones.
- Varied Coloration: Colonies can exhibit diverse color patterns, ranging from vibrant reds and oranges to dull browns and grays.
Environments
Eusynstyela species are primarily found in marine environments, inhabiting intertidal zones, rocky shores, and deeper waters. They prefer hard substrates like rocks, docks, and boat hulls to which they attach themselves.
References
World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS)