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
Pegea confoederata
Morphology
Aggregates form with a loose flabby test. There are no posterior projections or protuberances. MI–
MII
and MIII–MIV touch or fuse mid-dorsally, each muscle pair forming a cross. Muscle bands are short and interrupted before they reach the mid-lateral region. Stomach is spherical. Solitary forms have a pear-shaped test. MI–
MII
and M3III–MIV touch or fuse, each pair forming a cross. Gut is compact and encircled by a stolon. The length of the aggregate form is up to
150 mm
; the length of the solitary form is up to
120 mm
(authors’ personal observations (
Marine Species Identification Portal 2017
).
Biogeography
Cosmopolitan, eurythermal species, occurring between ca.
60°N
and
45°S
. A common salp species. Living near the surface, epipelagic (WoRMS
Editorial Board 2017
).