Pilidiophora
Pilidiophora is a genus of small, planktonic marine organisms belonging to the phylum Ctenophora, commonly known as comb jellies. These organisms are characterized by their transparent, gelatinous bodies and rows of cilia, or hair-like structures, which they use for locomotion. They are found in a variety of marine environments, ranging from coastal waters to the open ocean.
Common Names
Members of the genus Pilidiophora are commonly referred to as "pilidiophorans" or "pilidiophora comb jellies."
Characteristics
Pilidiophora species share several key characteristics:
- Size: They are typically small, ranging from a few millimeters to a centimeter in length.
- Body Shape: Their bodies are generally cylindrical or oval-shaped, with a distinct head region and a tail.
- Cilia: Rows of cilia cover their bodies, which they use for swimming. These cilia are arranged in eight longitudinal rows, a defining feature of ctenophores.
- Tentacles: They possess a pair of long, retractable tentacles, which they use to capture prey.
- Mouth: The mouth is located at the base of the tentacles.
- Statocyst: They have a statocyst, a sensory organ that helps them maintain balance.
Environments
Pilidiophora species are found in a variety of marine environments, including:
- Coastal waters: They can be found in shallow, coastal waters.
- Open ocean: They are also found in the open ocean, often in areas with high plankton concentrations.
- Various depths: They can occur at different depths, from the surface to the deeper waters.
References
For further information and scientific references, please refer to these resources: