Beachcombers Field Guide - Department Of Fisheries Western ...

Beachcombers Field Guide - Department Of Fisheries Western ... Beachcombers Field Guide - Department Of Fisheries Western ...

fish.wa.gov.au
from fish.wa.gov.au More from this publisher
22.03.2013 Views

Colonial ascidian Chordata – Ascidiacea A colonial ascidian is a colony of animals (or zooids), where it is hard to distinguish separate animals – individual zooids can only be seen clearly with a microscope. They form intricate patterns and come in an assortment of colours. Ascidians are diffi cult to identify properly without examining the internal structure of the specimen. Photo: Clay Bryce Did you know? Colonial ascidians usually grow as a coating on rocks or reefs, and can be mistaken for an encrusting sponge. The difference is that ascidians have a nervous system and they respond to touch by retracting and closing their siphons.

Sponge Photo: Sandy Clarke

Sponge<br />

Photo: Sandy Clarke

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!