House morphology and mechanisms of feeding in the Oikopleuridae (Tunicata, Appendicularia)

Abstract

The house morphology and feeding behaviour of seven species of appendicularians was observed and photographed in the field. Details of house morphology varied greatly among species. New information on the pattern of water flow through the house and on mechanisms of food collection are presented. Flow rates through the house, ranging from 36 to 1400 ml/hour, may result in substantial depletion of phytoplankton locally.