Cyclosalpa affinis

Taxon-Order: 
Salpida

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Distribution: 
Temperate and tropical waters, common in California waters and occasionally found in the Gulf of Alaska.
Size: 
Aggregate generation: to 46 mm; solitary generation: to 74 mm long
Diet: 
Filter feeders; phytoplankton and other small particles.
Predators: 
Medusae, siphonophores, ctenophores, heteropods, sea turtles, marine birds and many fish.
Useful Facts or Characters: 

The aggregate generation zooid possesses a very flaccid tunic, and the intestine is shaped in a broad loop.  The solitary generation zooid also possesses a very flaccid tunic and elongate intestine or gut.  

Natural History: 

The aggregate generation forms circular chains connected to one another, and can be distinguished from the closely related species C. bakeri by the absence of posterior projections.

References: 

Bone, Q. (1998) The biology of pelagic tunicates. Oxford University Press, Oxford.

Wrobel, D. and Mills, C. (1998) Pacific Coast pelagic invertebrates:  a guide to the common gelatinous animals. Sea Challengers, Monterey Bay Aquarium, Monterey, CA.

Yount, J.L. (1954) The taxonomy of the Salpidae (Tunicata) of the central Pacific Ocean. Pacific Science 8: 276-330.