Depastrum [Depastrum]

Description

Depastrum is a genus within the family Depastridae known for its distinctive star-shaped colonial form. Colonies of Depastrum are typically encrusting and are composed of numerous zooids that are closely packed together, forming a mat-like structure on the substrate. These colonies are usually found in shallow to deep marine environments, often attached to rocks or other hard surfaces. The zooids within the colonies are filter feeders, using their lophophore (a crown of tentacles) to capture plankton and other small particles from the water. Depastrum species play a role in the marine ecosystem by contributing to the benthic community structure and providing habitat for other marine organisms.

Species

European Sea Pineapple [Depastrum cyathiforme]

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Taxonomy