Larvaceans, Class Appendicularia are solitary, free-swimming tunicates found throughout the world's oceans. Like most tunicates, larvaceans are filter feeders. Unlike most other tunicates, they live in the pelagic zone, specifically in the photic zone, or sometimes deeper.

Is larvacean phytoplankton or zooplankton?

Larvaceans are tadpole-looking zooplankton. They have vertebrae that form long, skinny tails. These tails connect to large heads that measure about a third of the length of their tails. These heads are actually reproductive organs and a digestive system.

How do larvacean reproduce?

O. labradoriensis larvaceans make both eggs and sperm. They release sperm first then release eggs by rupturing their body wall, a process that results in the death of the animal.