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Zoothamnium niveum
Zoothamnium niveum Ehrenberg, 1838
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Family:  Zoothamniidae ()
Max. size:  1.5 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  benthic; brackish; marine
Distribution:  Western Central Atlantic.
Diagnosis:   
Biology:  Average length is 0.3 to 0.5 cm (Ref. 87023). The surface of this species is known to be a favorable habitat for sulfide-oxidizing bacteria (Ref. 87023). It inhabits mangrove peat walls in groups of more than 100 colonies, with an estimated group life of approximately 20 days, mainly in areas where microbial surface mat has been destroyed (Ref. 87022). It is found attached to a substrate, particularly in subtidal areas where sulfide sources are present. Large colonies are observed on garbage bags and rotting vegetables found in mangrove ponds. Generally is occupies ephemeral habitats where it is patchily distributed (Ref. 85814). The peritrich ciliate is a filter feeder, and its microzooids possess a fully developed oral ciliature and cytopharynx (Ref. 87023).
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. 123251)
Threat to humans:  harmless
Country info:   
 

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