Classification of Rhabdopleura
- Phylum :- Hemichordata (Marine, enterocoelous coelomate. Notochord confined to head region)
- Class :- Pterobranchia (Small hemichordates with encased body. V-shaped intestine.)
- Order :- Rhabdopleurida (Colonial, no gill-slits; 1 gonad)
- Genus :- Rhabdopleura
Geographical distribution of Rhabdopleura
- It is mainly found in southern hemisphere especially resported from Norway and Ireland coasts.
Habit and Habitat
It is a marine and colonial hemichordate, found 5 to 6 meters deep. The colony is formed on hard substratum and also in association with mollusc shells, bryozoans and tunicates.
Characteristics of Rhabdopleura
- Colony consists of zooids enclosed into erect tubes which are much more elongated than zooids.
- Colony contains erect coenoecium extended zooids, contractile stalk, decumbent coenoecium, retracted zooids, pectocaulus and young buds.
- Each zooid is composed of stalk, trunk sac, oral lamella, pigment stripe, cephalic shield, arms and tentacles.
- There is a lophophore with one pair of arms, one gonad, but without gill-slits. Alimentary canal is V-shaped.
- Most of the zooids are sterile, but male and female specimens may be observe.
- Sexes united.
- Development includes a free-swimming larva.
- Zooids are formed by budding, but the buds do not break off from the stolon and remain permanently attached to form a colony.
Special features
It is a colonial hemichordate with organic continuity between individuals that are produced by a sexual budding from one individual.
Identification
Since the specimen contains extended zooids and all above features, hence it is Rhabdopleura.
