Thalia democratica
Distribution:
Cosmopolitan.
Habitat:
Lives in upper 100 m.
Size:
Aggregate generation: 1.8-18.2 mm; solitary generation: 2.3-11.7 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 somewhat barrel-shaped body. The tunic is bluntly pentagonal, with 5 circular body muscle bands. The solitary generation is also barrel shaped, has 6 body muscle bands, and various posterior projections.
Natural History:
High density swarms have been reported for this species.
References:
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.