eastern cape scuba diving
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Scientific name: |
Didemnum obscurum |
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Common name: |
Orange lattice ascidian |
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Taxonomy |
Phyulm |
Sub Phylum |
Class |
Sub Class |
Order |
Sub Order |
Family |
Sub Family |
Genus |
Species |
Chordata |
Urochordata |
Ascidiacea |
Not Defined |
Aplousobranchia |
Not Defined |
Didemnidae |
Not Defined |
Didemnum |
Didemnum obscurum |
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Short Description:
Colonial ascidian forming a thin crust over rocks or other substrate.The star shape inhalant openings of the minute zooids dot the surface,giving a lattice-like appearance.The larger turret-like exhalant siphons are shared bu numerous zooids.The overall colour is bright orange
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Identification features: |
Zooids are the smallest of all ascidians.Vaarious colour and shapes have been recorded which may represent sperate species |
Size: |
Colonies 1-2 cm thick and up to 50cm across |
Behaviour: |
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Diet: |
Filterfeeder |
Distribution: |
Cape Town to Sodwana Bay |
Depth: |
5-30m |
Habitat: |
Shallow rocky reefs |
Reference: |
- Two Oceans
(A guide to the marine life of Southern Africa) GM Branch;CL Griffiths;ML Branch;LE Beckley
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Similar Species: |
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Database Statistics
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eastern cape scuba diving