Pr. C. 2 Eudistoma lakshmiani Renganathan(Sea Squirts)
Phylum: Chordata
SubPhylum : Tunicata
Class: Ascidiacea
Order: Aplousobranchia
Family: Polycitoridae
Genus: Eudistoma
Species: Eudistoma
lakshmiani
Description
Small zooids with a long oesophageal neck, gonads and
stomach at the posterior end of the abdomen. The atrial and branchial apertures
are 6 lobed. Longitudinal muscles on the thorax extend into the abdomen. An
inner layer of circular muscles present beneath the longitudinal muscles. 3
rows of stigmata. The anterior row has more stigmata and its dorsal end curves
anteriorly along each side of the mid-dorsal line. Stomach small, shield-shaped
and smooth. A long duodenal area and an oval posterior stomach present.
Gastro-intestinal gland well developed. Anus between the second and third rows
of stigmata. Larvae are small, with a larval trunk, stalked adhesive organs in
the vertical mid-line anteriorly. Ampullae alternate with the adhesive organ.
Sand, foreign particles and faecal pellets are in the test. It is often
brightly pigmented and usually opaque in living specimens.
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