Feeding appendicularians (Oikopleura sp.)

We can use the particles to visualise the feeding current and see how the animal "breathes", pumps and relaxes, pumping water in and out, with a net inward flow. The reversal of the feeding current helps to rinse the outer filter for particles. To some extent it pumps the same water again and again, and if the slab of light is focused on the exhalent current, one can see how this is rinsed for particles. The critter therefore has to change position every now and then to get "new" food. By simple observations of the live animal in its environment we get a first understanding of how it functions. Learn more on Professor Thomas Kiørboe's personal website, www.staff.dtu.d...

[@smudgey1kenobey]

For so many years I counted plankton. First for my thesis, then for a living at the oceanography school at URI. Oikopleura we’re in all my samples, and now I’ve seen a live one in it’s house! Thanks so much!

[@player6gamer]

What is that a Oikpleura Labradorensis?

[@Ninaraider91]

Tunicata Appendicularia