DFO|Pacific Region|Science|Ocean Sciences|Research|Zooplankton|Urochordata

ZOOPLANKTON-Phylum Urochordata-THALIACEA
Tunicates that are pelagic, have alternation of sexual/asexual generations
filter food, can form massive swarms

ZOOPLANKTON-Phylum Urochordata-THALIACEA-Salpidae
Salpidae feed on phytoplankton and small particles using a mucous web

Cyclosalpa bakeri	*Salpa aspera*	*Salpa fusiformis*

Description: tropical to temperate, oceanic, Gulf of Alaska.	Description: world wide, northern range to the Bering Sea, primarily oceanic, diel migrator, at surface at night.

ZOOPLANKTON-Phylum Urochordata-THALIACEA-Doliolida
Doliolida feed mainly on phyto and nanoplankton, complex lifecylce of alternating sexual/asexual generations

*Dolioletta old nurse*	*Dolioletta gegenbauri*	*Doliopsis*

	Description: oceanic off California, can produce high levels of ammonia as by product, up to 15mm.	Description: oceanic, mesopelagic, rare, up to 20mm.

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ZOOPLANKTON-Phylum Urochordata-LARVACEA
Classic case of neotany, retention of larval tadpole form as sexually mature adults,
tail retains the notochord, produce complicated mucous net (house) to sieve plankton

*Oikopleura* *dioica*	*Oikopleura labradoriensis*	*Oikopleura longicauda*	*Fritillaria* pellucida

Description: cosmopolitan tropical to temperate, shelf and inlets.	Description: cosmopolitan tropical to temperate, oceanic, shelf and inlets; more cold tolerant.	Description: cosmopolitan tropical to temperate, nearshore California/Oregon.	Description: cosmopolitan tropical to temperate, oceanic to shelf, more cold tolerant.

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Fisheries and Oceans Canada - Pacific Region

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Updated: 2008-12-11