the larva from Botryllus schlosseri ?

Franz Neidl · Post by **Franz Neidl** » Wed Oct 23, 2013 1:35 pm

Again a difficult question (for me). I think this is the "tadpole" larva from Botryllus schlosseri (a colonial star tunicate). Maybe somebody can help me and say if am I right or not. In any case this larva is a very rare guest in the plankton.

4 pictures in DIC and in BF, Mediterranean sea plankton

Franz

Jacek · Post by **Jacek** » Wed Oct 23, 2013 10:38 pm

Curious. It looks like a big sperm

BJ · Post by BJ » Thu Oct 24, 2013 8:41 am

Hello Franz,

I am sure that you are correct - it is a "tadpole" larva of a colonial ascidian...but which species? Obviously Botryllus schlosseri is a strong candidate as it is common around Naples.

Whatever the species, once more these are great photos from you of an unusual and interesting organism - thank you.

regards,

Brian

Franz Neidl · Post by **Franz Neidl** » Sat Nov 02, 2013 2:59 pm

Meanwhile I asked (per email) experts about this animal. They excluded Botryllus or Botrylloides. Id could be an ascidian larva (as already Brian wrote) from the Didemnidae or from Alpidium.
Many thanks to Brian.

Franz

Wim van Egmond · Post by **Wim van Egmond** » Sun Nov 03, 2013 3:07 am

Beaatiful pictures and I am curious if you can find tha answer. Would it be the same organism as this one?

Wim

http://www.photomacrography.net/forum/v ... highlight=

Franz Neidl · Post by **Franz Neidl** » Fri Nov 08, 2013 12:12 pm

Hello Wim,

your pictures are very interesting and also beautiful, but I am not able to find an answer about the species. Certainly the species of your last photo is very different from the other pictures. I will send you a privat mail with the internet adresses of two experts for ascidians and if you want you can write them.

Franz