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Tunicates are sometimes called "invertebrate chordates." They are related to fishes and mammals and have a supporting rod called a notochord which is found in vertebrate embryos. |
 Tunicates are common fouling organisms (sub-tidal growth) on docks and pilings. (Above, left) Pollution-tolerant.Sea Grapes or squirts (Mogula manhattensis) are common in our area and thrive in New York Harbor. |
 The name comes from the tunic that covers the animal. Sometimes called sea squirts, they are filter feeders and have in-current and ex-current siphons. |
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(Above and left) Salps, clear, planktonic cousins of the sea squirts, are often mistakenly called "fish, tuna eggs or jellyfish eggs" in the summer, but are offshore visitors that sometimes arrive at the shore in great numbers after many days of onshore winds. |