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Species Description:
M. crozierae is a large flatworm of the family
Eurylephidae.
Characteristic of this family is the presence of 2 tentacles on the head that
are formed from folds in the anterior portion of the body. Two clusters of
multiple eyespots in the brain of this animal are visible directly behind the
tentacles. The body is heavily pigmented with the characteristic
"tiger" pattern.
Synonymy:
This species has
sometimes been identified as Pseudoceros crozieri.
II. HABITAT AND
DISTRIBUTION
Regional Occurrence:
M. crozierae is a tropical
species that ranges from South Carolina to Florida, throughout the Caribbean and
Bermuda.
IRL Distribution:
M. crozierae is common throughout the IRL, and can be especially
abundant where its primary prey species, Ectinascidia turbinata occurs.
III. LIFE HISTORY AND POPULATION BIOLOGY
Age, Size, Lifespan:
Size ranges from 5 - 40
mm, with an average size of approximately 20 mm (0.8 inches).
Abundance:
Maritigrella crozierae is highly abundant and is the most common flatworm
from southeast Florida to the Caribbean. Two individuals may occur per colony of
Ecteinascidia turbinata, the colonial ascidean (sea squirt) which is the
sole food source of Maritigrella crozierae.
Locomotion:
Crawls
Reproduction:
Maritigrella crozierae is a simultaneous hermaphrodite which uses hypodermic insemination to outcross with
other individuals.
Embryology:
Larval form of Maritigrella
crozierae is the Muller's larva.
IV. PHYSICAL TOLERANCES
V. COMMUNITY ECOLOGY
Trophic Mode:
M. crozierae feeds exclusively on the ascidian Ectinascidia
turbinata, a colonial, orange-colored tunicate. This tunicate species
produces a class of chemicals called secondary metabolites which have been shown
to be effective anti-tumor agents. M. crozierae sequesters these
chemically active compounds into its own tissues as it feeds on E. turbinata.
Thus, M. crozierae could prove to be of interest to chemists and the pharmaceutical
industry.
Associated Species:
M. crozierae occurs with its primary prey species, Ectinascidia
turbinata
VI. SPECIAL STATUS
Special Status:
None
Broad-scale Cost/Benefit:
Because of its
ability to sequester chemically active compounds from Ecteinascidia
turbinata, an ascidian from which antitumor compounds have been isolated, Maritigrella
crozierae can be considered to have potentially far reaching economic impact
to the pharmaceutical industry.
Economic Importance:
None currently.
Report by: J. Dineen,
Smithsonian Marine Station
with thanks to L. Newman
Submit additional information, photos or comments to:
irl_webmaster@si.edu
Page last updated: July 25, 2001
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