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You are here:   OldClasses > 2012 > Ascidia glabra | Emmanuelle Zoccola

 

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Ascidia glabra ​(Hartmeyer, 1992)                
​Sea squirt





Emmanuelle Zoccola (2012)


Photo by Arnault Gauthier

 

Fact Sheet

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Overview

Summary


Description

Size and Colour


External Morphology


Anatomy


Identification Resources


Ecology

Associations


Life History

Introduction to Life History


Embryonic Development


Larvae Settlement


Larvae Development


Evolution & Systematics

Phylogeny of Chordata


Systematics


Distribution

Local Distribution and Habitat


Global Distribution


References & Links

References


Web Site Links

External Morphology

Tunic
A. glabra tunic surrounds the whole animal. It is firm (cellulose-like substance) and contains occasional papillae and adhering hairs, probably used by individuals to stick to one another, on its surface (Brien et al., 1948; Kott, 1985). The surface of the tunic can occasionally be slightly granulated on large individuals but, in general, it is smooth (Kott, 1985). As A. glabra is usually fixed to the substrata on the left side of its body, the tunic is usually thinner on the left side (Brien et al., 1948; Kott, 1985). 


Siphons


Photo by Emmanuelle Zoccola
In A. glabra, both siphons are small and rigid, and they exhibit a darker colour than the rest of the test. This might be due to the higher vascularisation around the apertures (Kott, 1985). The inhaling siphon, also called oral siphon, is located apically and the exhaling siphon, also called atrial siphon, is usually located dorsally, even if its position to the oral siphon can vary slightly (Brien et al., 1948). In A. glabra, the atrial siphon is located in the middle third of the body. 

Position of the siphons on A. glabra (attached on the left side of its body)
Picture of A. glabra by Arnault Gauthier, modification by Emmanuelle Zoccola

Classification

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