Pelagic tunicates in the China Seas
Author
Franco, P.
Author
Dahms, H. - U.
Author
Lo, W. - T.
Author
Hwang, J. - S.
text
Journal of Natural History
2017
2017-03-27
51
15 - 16
917
936
http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00222933.2017.1293180
journal article
10.1080/00222933.2017.1293180
1464-5262
5180954
Soestia zonaria
Morphology
Aggregate forms of this salp have a large, prismatic body and tough test. The body is posteriorly asymmetrical, with a deep groove both dorsally and ventrally. A single, acentric projection is present at the posterior end. Muscle bands are clear and wide and are all ventrally interrupted; only MI is also dorsally interrupted. MIV and MV are dorsally united. Solitary form with a large body, conspicuously prismatic; tough and firm test. Its muscle bands are extremely wide, almost touching each other laterally. Muscle bands are dorsally and ventrally interrupted. Posterior ends of body with marked pointed projection. The intestine is encircled by the stolon. Aggregate form is up to
60 mm
in length. The solitary form is up to
50 mm
in length (authors’ personal observations;
Marine Species Identification Portal 2017
).
Biogeography
Eurythermal species from all oceans except for the Southern and Arctic oceans (WoRMS
Editorial Board 2017
).