Pyuridae
Pyuridae is a family of tunicates, commonly known as sea squirts or sea potatoes. These filter-feeding invertebrates are found in marine environments worldwide and are characterized by their distinctive sac-like body structure. They are typically attached to hard surfaces like rocks, docks, and boat hulls.
Common Names
Members of the Pyuridae family are commonly referred to as "sea squirts" or "sea potatoes". These names refer to their characteristic appearance and their ability to expel water when disturbed.
Characteristics
Pyuridae possess several distinguishing characteristics that set them apart from other tunicates:
- Sac-like body: Pyuridae have a soft, fleshy body enclosed in a tough outer tunic.
- Two siphons: They have two openings called siphons on the top of their body. One siphon (the incurrent siphon) draws water into the body for filtering, while the other siphon (the excurrent siphon) expels water and waste products.
- Filter feeders: Pyuridae are suspension feeders, using their pharyngeal basket to trap tiny organisms and particles from the water column.
- Sessile lifestyle: As adults, they are immobile and permanently attached to a substrate.
- Hermaphroditic: Most Pyuridae species are hermaphroditic, meaning they possess both male and female reproductive organs.
Environments
Pyuridae species are found in a variety of marine habitats, including:
- Intertidal zones: Found in areas that are exposed to air during low tide.
- Subtidal zones: Found in deeper waters below the low tide mark.
- Rocky reefs: Commonly attach to rocks and other hard surfaces in reef environments.
- Estuaries: Found in brackish water environments where rivers meet the sea.
References
For further information on Pyuridae, refer to these reliable online sources: