Victorella pavida
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Bryozoa
Class: Gymnolaemata
Order: Ctenostomatida
Family: Victorellidae
Genus: Victorella
Species:
V. pavida
Binomial name
Victorella pavida

Victorella pavida or trembling sea mat is a species of bryozoan found in shallow waters of low or fluctuating salinity, such as lagoons and estuaries. In summer (the growing season) it can have the appearance of velvet. The zooids may be from 0.3 mm to 1 mm in length.[1] They live in colonies underwater attaching to stones. They feed using tiny hairs attached to their crown of tentacles to catch tiny particles flowing through the water, also known as "filter feeding".

Distribution

It is common in the Mediterranean Sea, and has also been reported in the North Sea (on the European Mainland), the Baltic, the Black Sea, India, Japan, Brazil, and the eastern United States.[2] Swanpool, a coastal saline lagoon (brackish lake), in Falmouth, has been recorded to have significant populations of Victorella pavida. Data from 2012, recorded by the Environment Agency, suggests that this species is also present within the River Thames Estuary; albeit in low numbers.[3]

Within England, V. pavida is listed as a Natural Environment Research Council species of 'Principal Importance' (Section 41)[4] and is protected under Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended).[5]

Further reading

Wm. S. Kent Memoirs: On a New Polyzoon, "Victorella Pavida," from the Victoria Docks, Quarterly Journal of Microscopical Science, s2-10: 34-39. The paper in which Saville-Kent first described the species.

References

  1. ^ Carter, Michelle; Jackson, Angus (2007). "Basic information for Victorella pavida (Trembling sea mat)". Marine Life Information Network for Britain & Ireland. Marine Biological Association. Retrieved 2008-06-24.
  2. ^ Carter, Michelle; Jackson, Angus (2007). "Habitat preferences and distribution for adult Victorella pavida (Trembling sea mat)". Marine Life Information Network for Britain & Ireland. Marine Biological Association. Retrieved 2008-06-24.
  3. ^ "Marine Benthic Invertebrate Species". data.gov.uk. 29 September 2020. Retrieved February 8, 2021.
  4. ^ "NERC Act 2006. Section 41: Species of Principal Importance in England - Natural History Museum". www.nhm.ac.uk. Archived from the original on 2017-02-19.
  5. ^ "Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (c. 69)". The UK Statute Law Database. The Ministry of Justice. Retrieved 2008-06-24.

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