Ecology of Trichoplax adhaerens
 
Main Ref. Pechenik, J.A., 2005
Remarks Commonly found in warm marine environments (Ref. 57) and in marine aquaria (Ref. 59), on hard bottom substrates in the benthic regions (Ref. 53). A scavenger which feeds on dead animals with its ventral surface, which produces digestive enzymes (Ref. 53), and also feeds on Cryptomonas (Ref. 57 and 60) and algae (Ref. 59); often, individuals contract part of the ventral surface into a sac where digestion may take place more efficiently (Ref. 60).

Aquatic zones / Water bodies

Marine - Neritic Marine - Oceanic Brackishwater Freshwater
Marine zones / Brackish and freshwater bodies
  • supra-littoral zone
  • littoral zone
  • sublittoral zone
  • epipelagic
  • mesopelagic
  • epipelagic
  • abyssopelagic
  • hadopelagic
  • estuaries/lagoons/brackish seas
  • mangroves
  • marshes/swamps
  • rivers/streams
  • lakes/ponds
  • caves
  • exclusively in caves
Highighted items on the list are where Trichoplax adhaerens may be found.

Habitat

Substrate Benthic; Hard Bottom;
Substrate Ref.
Special habitats
Special habitats Ref.

Associations

Ref. Pechenik, J.A., 2005
Associations
Associated with
Association remarks
Parasitism

feeding

Feeding type mainly plants/detritus (troph. 2-2.19)
Feeding type Ref. Pechenik, J.A., 2005
Feeding habit feeding on dead animals (scavenger)
Feeding habit Ref. Pechenik, J.A., 2005

Trophic Level(s)

Estimation method original sample unfished population Remark
Troph s.e. Troph s.e.
From diet composition
From individual food items 2.00 0.00 Trophic level and s.e. inferred from exclusive plant/detritus food items.
Ref.
Ref. [ e.g. 3742]
Glossary [ e.g. cnidaria]
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