Predatory tunicate
| Predatory tunicate | |
|---|---|
 | |
| A drawing of the predatory tunicate Megalodicopia hians | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Subphylum: | Tunicata |
| Class: | Ascidiacea |
| Order: | Phlebobranchia |
| Family: | Octacnemidae |
| Genus: | Megalodicopia |
| Species: | M. hians |
| Binomial name | |
| Megalodicopia hians Oka, 1918 [1] | |
The predatory tunicate (Megalodicopia hians) is a species of tunicate which lives anchored along the deep sea canyon walls and seafloor. The animal is immediately recognizable by its distinct appearance, bearing a resemblance to a cross between a jellyfish and a Venus flytrap. Its mouthlike hood is quick to close whenever a small animal drifts inside. Once the predatory tunicate catches a meal, it keeps its trap shut until it is ready to eat again. Sometimes called the Ghostfish, they are known to live in the Monterey Canyon at depths of 200–1,000 metres (660–3,280 ft). They mostly feed on zooplankton and tiny animals.
References
- ↑ Karen Sanamyan (2010). Noa Shenkar; Arjan Gittenberger; Gretchen Lambert; Marc Rius; Rosana Moreira Da Rocha; Billie J. Swalla, eds. "Megalodicopia Oka, 1918". World Ascidiacea Database. World Register of Marine Species. Retrieved June 28, 2011.
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