Dec 9, 2012
Tunicates come in a variety of forms and sizes, from small, colonizing sea squirts to the huge giant pyrosome. They can fix themselves to a variety of surfaces along the ocean floor or float along with the currents in the water column. Tunicates have gelatinous, tube-like outer coverings that protect their internal structures. Even though they don't look like much, these creatures are unique among invertebrates and are not classified as such because they have an internal notochord. Pictured above is a painted tunicate (Clavelina picta).
Photo © Fabio Ehrengruber