The subphylum Urochordata, is also sometimes known as the Tunicata. These animals are commonly known as tunicates or sea squirts. Some pelagic tunicates are known as salps. There are two classes recognized within the subphylum: Thaliacea and Ascidiacea. The body of an adult tunicate is quite simple. Essentially it is a sack with two siphons through which water enters and exits. Many tunicates have a larva that is free-swimming and exhibits all chordate characteristics, including a notochord. In many tunicates this "tadpole larva" eventually attaches to a hard surface and loses its tail, the ability to move, and most of its nervous system. The tunicate group knows as salps are entirely free-swimming, however.- Category ID : 418396
Interesting personal account by Jean-Marie Cavanihac of her observations on the eggs and larval stages of the Ascidians and Botryllus, accompanied by excellent photographs. Further accounts of Salps, Doliolids and Larvaceans with more photographs and video clips.
Information from the Earthlife Web on the colony-forming Pyrosomida and the non-colonial Salpida and Doliolida, including their description and their complex life cycle.
Photographs and information on this species, including its taxonomy, description, habitat, distribution, life history, population biology, physical tolerances, community ecology and information on its invasivness.
Photographs and information on this species, including its taxonomy, description, habitat, distribution, life history, population biology, physical tolerances, community ecology and invasion information.
Home page for Ascidian News, a twice yearly newsletter published by Charles and Gretchen Lambert, with recent worldwide publication citations, meetings abstracts and work in progress. The Ascidiaceae are a family in the Phylum Urochordata and are commonly known as tunicates or sea squirts.