Ecology

Map of Heron Island, QLD. Black circle indicates where the Pegea Confoederata were collected. (Image adapted from Google Maps)

As is stated in the Biogeographic Distribution section of this website, Pegea confoederata are generally oceanic, cosmopolitan species that are found in most areas of the ocean (excluding high latitude areas). Although Pegea confoederata use circular muscles as a tool for locomotion, this movement is still at the hands of ocean currents, waves, swells and eddies. Therefore, the position of any group of Pegea confoederata at any one time is entirely dependant on the other ocean factors that currently exist. 

The Pegea confoederata that were found on Heron Reef, were found on the southern side of the island. These salps were not living on any part of the reef, but were there due to the combination of oceanic conditions during that time.