Crypsis
Herdmania momus of Heron Reef are considered part of the cryptic community which reside on the underside of dead coral plates (Mather and Bennet 1993). In other populations, individuals live in crevices or on vertical rock walls in which case their tunics are often covered in a diverse epibiotic community (Degnan 1991). This community is comprised of small and diverse organisms, such as molluscs, algae and bryozoans. Such communities are likely welcomed by the ascidian as they provide protection and camouflage. Epibiotic cover is absent on Heron Reef specimens and likely deemed unnecessary due to the the protection provided from their preferred habitat at this location.
Cryptic community on the underside of a coral plate on Heron Island.
See if you can spot the red-throated ascidian! |