Pyrosoma
tunicate genus
Quick Summary
Pyrosoma is a genus of free-swimming, bioluminescent, pelagic tunicates. These marine animals form colonies that create a hollow cylinder, often several feet long, closed at one end. Tunicates, also known as subphylum Tunicata, are marine animals found globally. While their larvae possess chordate features, these are lost during metamorphosis into the adult form. Pyrosoma belongs to the class Thaliacea, which are pelagic tunicates adapted to open water.12
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