Tpia
In short
Tpia is a rare type of deep-sea sponge found primarily in the colder waters of the Southern Ocean. It plays a vital role in filtering nutrients from the water column.
In plain words
It is a small animal that lives on the ocean floor. It stays in one place and sucks in tiny bits of food from the seawater to survive.
A simple example
A Tpia sponge might sit on a rocky ledge in the Antarctic, cleaning the water as it flows past its body.
Why it matters
These organisms help keep the ocean floor healthy by recycling nutrients. They also provide tiny habitats for other small sea creatures.
Easy to mix up
It is often confused with Tunicates, which are also filter feeders but have different body structures.