Horned Salp

Horned Salp

Thalia democratica

Although they may superficially resemble swimming siphonophores, salps are actually free-living tunicates. There are 6 genera of salps and all are transparent.

Tunicates are much more advanced in the evolutionary scheme of things than jellyfishes, having, for example, a circulatory system. The larvae actually even have several features in common with vertebrates, including the precursor of a spinal cord, but these are lost in the sac-like adults. Salps do not sting.

Horned Salp
A chain of 32 Horned Salps. Individuals are 1/4 - 1/2 inches in length.

These animals pump water through their body for respiration, feeding, and locomotion. They feed near the surface. Salps secrete a mucous film that runs along the body wall to the mouth, collecting particles from the surrounding water to feed on. Individual animals range in size from under an inch up to 8 inches, depending on the species. Salps often form long chains ( up to 90' ) of connected individuals. A common predator of salps that is often seen in local waters is the Sunfish, Mola mola.

Herb Segars Photography

Pipefish

Syngnathus fuscus

Size: to 12"

Habitat: Weedy protected shore waters.

Notes:

The Northern Pipefish is the only common inshore species in our area. Pipefishes are closely related to Seahorses and found in the same kind of habitats. They lack the seahorse's prehensile tail but are much better swimmers than their coiled cousins.

Printed from njscuba.net