Summary
Physical Description
Ecology
Life History & Behaviour
Anatomy & Physiology
Evolution & Systematics
Biogeographic Distribution
Conservation & Threats
References & Links | Ecology
The three specimens of Pyura sp studied were found on the rubble crest on the South Western side of Heron Island (figure 1). These ascidians live attached to the underside of large pieces of coral rubble as part of the cryptic community (figure 2). Competition for space is fierce in these habitats with suitable pieces of rubble covered with bryozoans, ascidians, sponges and algae (Choi, 1984). A large portion of this part of the reef is above the water during low tide. These ascidians were only found on the underside of rocks that remained in shallow pools of water during low tide.
Figure 1. The rubble crest habitat of Pyura sp A Satellite image of the South Western part of Heron Island reef showing the site of specimen collection adapted from Google earth B photograph of the coral rubble on the reef crest during low tide on Heron Island
.jpg)
Figure 2. The cryptic community living on the underside of a piece of coral rubble on Heron Island
|
|