Description

Tunicates are true filter feeders, which are able to filter hundreds of liters of water per day and remove over 95% of its bacteria. Water is pumped through the branchial siphon, and eventually out of the atrial siphon. Inside the animal, bacteria and phytoplankton are filtered from the water, which are trapped by the mucous layer lining the branchial basket of the tunicate. These animals are able to contract or deflate by pumping water out of their body cavities. During this process, the branchial siphon is closed off. They inflate by opening up their branchial siphon, and closing off the atrial siphon. Go to www.coralscience.org to learn more about this species!

Video URL:
http://www.reefflix.com/video/957/Tunicate-Video


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