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Tunicates

The name tunicates comes from the integument that protects their body, called the tunic. They are filter feeders that feed on plankton.

There are several classes: pelagic tunicates like salps, and tunicates like ascidians. I only show pictures of ascidians.

Tunicates go through a larval stage. Their larva looks like a tadpole and its tail has an axis called a rope, a prefiguration of the spinal column of vertebrates. In fact, despite the apparent simplicity of these animals, we are close relatives!

The solitary adult ascidians look like a bag with two siphons to allow the circulation of water. Colonial ascidians group multiple individuals within a single tunic.

The ink-spot sea-squirt is a beautiful solitary ascidian that can reach six inches. Inhalant and exhalant siphons are perfectly visible.

© 2018 by Dominique Garçonnat. Created with Wix.com

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