Pseudodistoma
Pseudodistoma is a genus of colonial tunicates in the family Polyclinidae. They are commonly known as “sea squirts” and are often found in a variety of marine environments, including coral reefs, rocky shores, and seagrass meadows. The genus was described by Hartmeyer in 1903 and includes several species found worldwide.
Characteristics
Members of the genus Pseudodistoma are characterized by their colonial nature, with individual zooids (the individual animals within the colony) connected by stolons, which are thin, tubular structures. They are typically small in size, with zooids ranging from a few millimeters to a centimeter in length. Pseudodistoma colonies are often brightly colored, with shades of orange, yellow, red, or purple.
Like other tunicates, Pseudodistoma species possess a sac-like body enclosed by a tunic, a tough, leathery outer layer that protects the animal. They have two siphons: an incurrent siphon for drawing water into the body, and an excurrent siphon for expelling water after it has passed through the digestive and respiratory systems.
Environments
Pseudodistoma species are found in a variety of marine environments, primarily in tropical and subtropical waters. They are often found in areas with high water flow, such as currents and wave-swept shores. They can also be found in calmer waters, such as seagrass beds and mangrove forests.
Pseudodistoma colonies can be found attached to rocks, shells, seaweed, or even other tunicates. They are an important part of the marine ecosystem, providing food for a variety of animals, including fish, sea turtles, and crabs.
References
For more information on Pseudodistoma, consult the following resources: