Tunicate A.K.A. Ciona intestinalis
More complex then they might come across!
Phylum, Subphylum
- Member of the subphylum Tunicata, which is part of the phylum Chordata.
Siphons and Adaptations
- A siphon is a tubular organ in an aquatic animal, especially a mollusk, through which water is drawn in or sent out.
- When they start eating, these animals extend their bodies until they are fully extended.
- After this their siphons are fully visible.
- When resting, their siphons are retracted.
- These work by taking in water and then extracting food particles from the water and using them as nutrients.
Adaptations
- A siphon is a behavioral adaptation used for eating in aquatic animals.
- For reproduction these animals reproductive organs mature at different times.
- Because of this self fertilization will not happen
- Reproduction will happen when they sense species specific sperm in the water and discharge the eggs (or sperm) through the exhalent siphon
Fun Facts!
- Can help depollute waters because of the Siphons which extract particles from the water.
- Despite the gelatin like body form, these animals are very closely related to vertebrates.
- When they are young they have a notochord but adults loose it and become invertebrates.
Photo Gallery
Selling the Tunicate!
The Tunicate is being sold for $10 because they are not endangered.