Story: Marine animals without backbones

Bluebell sea squirts (2nd of 3)

Bluebell sea squirts

Bluebell or Clavelina sea squirts grow as a group, with individuals connected by a common base. Sea squirts feed by taking in water through an inhalant siphon. The water enters an internal filter compartment, where food particles are removed and forcibly expelled through an exhalant siphon.

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NIWA – National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research
Photograph by Sean Handley

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How to cite this page:

Dennis Gordon and Maggy Wassilieff, 'Marine animals without backbones - Tunicates: sea squirts, salps and appendicularians', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/5868/bluebell-sea-squirts (accessed 20 April 2024)

Story by Dennis Gordon and Maggy Wassilieff, published 12 Jun 2006