Cyclosalpa bakeri
Distribution:
Found in tropical and temperate waters, and as far north as the Gulf of Alaska.
Habitat:
Strong vertical migrator; present in the upper 150 m at night, mostly deeper by day.
Size:
Aggregate generation: to 26 mm; solitary generation: to 47 mm
Diet:
Filter feeders; phytoplankton and other small particles.
Predators:
Medusae, siphonophores, ctenophores, heteropods, sea turtles, marine birds and many fish.
Useful Facts or Characters:
The aggregate generation has a characteristic intestinal loop, trailing testis, and caecum within posterior projections. The solitary generation is barrel-shaped with 3-5 light organs present on lateral sides running perpendicular to the horizontal body muscles.
Natural History:
The aggregate generation forms circular chains connected to one another, and possesses posterior projections.
References:
Bone, Q. (1998) The biology of pelagic tunicates. Oxford University Press, Oxford.
Wrobel, D. and Mills, C. (1998) Pacific Coast pelagic invertebrates: a guide to the common gelatinous animals. Sea Challengers, Monterey Bay Aquarium, Monterey, CA.
Yount, J.L. (1954) The taxonomy of the Salpidae (Tunicata) of the central Pacific Ocean. Pacific Science 8: 276-330.