Deep-Water Larvacean, or “Sea-Tadpole”

In the icy waters of the Arctic, a deep-water larvacean (aka “sea tadpole” because it looks like a tadpole) drifts through the water in its 'house.' This house is made of protein and creates almost a shell around the larvacean and helps to filter particles out of the water for the larvacean to eat. And when the filters get clogged, the plankter can just shed the 'house' and build itself a new one.

See a picture of a larvacean without its house, and learn more about the animals that live Under the Arctic Ice.

A deep-water larvacean (aka “sea tadpole”) inside its home.
Hidden Ocean 2005, NOAA

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