Subphylum Urochordata

Subphylum Urochordata

Subphylum Urochordata (also called Tunicata) includes tunicates, salps, and larvaceans. This subphylum, along with subphylum Cephalochordata, is informally classified under protochordates. Protochordates are “primitive” chordates that are not vertebrates. Most adult tunicates are sessile and do not show chordate characteristics. However tunicates have a free-swimming larval stage that exhibits all chordate characteristics. Tunicates get their name from the outer covering, called a tunic, which cloaks their body.

The first two photos show pictures of tunicate larva. The next three photos show pictures of adult tunicates.