DE Publishing - The Captive Oceans Series
A series exploring the captive maintenance and
captive research of specific ocean lifeforms.
Volume 2 The Ascidians (Sea Squirts)
New Second Edition Out of Stock
Learn about the incredible natural filtering capability of the living sea squirts !
DE Publishing announces volume 2 of the Captive Oceans Series.
A series exploring the captive maintenance and captive research of
specific ocean lifeforms. This series is written for intermediate to
advanced aquarist. Volume 2 is The Ascidians (Sea Squirts) -
Their Biology, Physiology and Natural Filtration Integration. Sea Squirts
are extremely important members within the envrionmental zones of tropical reefs, inter-reef habitats and they actually populate almost all the ocean environments on the planet. From tropical oceans to sub-tropical waters to temperate waters to cold-temperate and to sub polar ocean water environments, you will find species of Ascidians. The table of contents for
this second volume of the series is included below along with select excerpts from
the book. The second edition contains 370 pages, over 90,000 words, 32 figures,
19 tables, 88 color images and 36 sea squirt data sheets. DE Publishing has also
drastically improved the quality of the book. All pages are now coated gloss paper.
The resolution of the color image pages has been drastically improved.
The book cover is now laminated which will not smear and will last for
many years. The binding has also been drastically improved. This book
now has a unique reinforced perfect binding that will last through many
years of rough handling. The color cover also has 6 additional photos. Paperback.
Current Price is $32.00 (California residents add 7.75 % Sales Tax).
"The sea squirts (Ascidians) inhabit almost every single ocean environmental habitat that exists. From the tropical waters of the worlds oceans, throughout their temperate regions and even within their cold to subpolar waters, ascidian species can be found attached to the bottom structure. These benthic animals live a quiet life pumping water through their branchial or feeding sac. To capture plankton, bacteria, particulate organic matter and collodial particles the ascidians construct a mucus net or mesh that has pores which are microscopically small. Water is moved through this mucous mesh by flagellated cells located along openings within the branchial sac. This mucous mesh film is constantly created and moved along the inside walls of the brachial sac while the ascidian is feeding. Particles become trapped within the mesh which is slowly rolled up on the other side of the branchial sac. This rolled up mesh is then pulled into the animals stomach. Now imagine billions of ascidians scattered throughout the worlds oceans actively feeding or ‘filtering’ the water. In some harbors and ports certain ascidian species can proliferate so greatly that humans refer to them as ‘fouling organisms’. To be described as a fouling organism the animal or plant or squirt or sponge must be capable of attaching to artificial structures within the sea. Perhaps we would not be using such a negative term if we realized that ascidians living within and fouling our harbors are only trying to clean the water we have heavily polluted. Maybe its also time for us captive ocean aquarist to begin utilizing ascidians to ‘foul’ or clean our captive systems."
"The Ascidians have been classified into a distinct group of organisms only since the end of the 1800’s. While studying sea squirts a Russian biologist discovered similarities between the larvae of ascidians and the tadpole larvae of frogs. It was theorized at the time that sea squirt organism represented a link between the invertebrate organisms and the vertebrate organisms. A new group of organisms called the Protochordates was formed which included the ascidians. The protochordates were believed to represent the invertebrate organisms that eventually evolved into the vertebrate organisms we see today (such as mammals). Early in the 20th century there was some enhanced interest in the ascidians due to this important link they represented on the evolutionary tree of life. There study within the fossil record however has proven to be difficult or impossible to achieve because of their soft animal tissue nature. Interest in the ascidians waned throughout the mid 1900’s. Modern day science currently agrees that the “protochordates” were the precursors of the vertebrate organisms. The amount of scientific interest in the ascidians has also recently dramatically increased. This research is primarily due to pharmacological research into natural compounds that could have important human health related capabilities. Sea Squirts and Sponges have been found to contain and manufacture many exotic natural chemical compounds. Ascidians are also known to concentrate heavy metals and hydrocarbons within their bodies. These concentrated compounds can occur as the accumulation of toxic elements released as pollution along costal areas. Ascidians have proven to be good indicators of excessive pollution. Where certain ascidian species flourish and foul coastal areas, human produced pollution or naturally produced organic runoff is also found (Monniot et. al. 1991)."
"Ascidians themselves are fascinating and very interesting organisms. The adult sea squirt possesses a form that is simpler in complexity when compared to its juvenile larvae form. This is rather unique amongst animals. The outer tissue layer of the ascidian (called the tunic) is also very interesting since it is composed of a plant cellulose material. This is a very rare occurrence within the animal kingdom. The heart of the ascidian is also unique because it changes the direction of its flowing blood every few minutes. Basically what occurs is that the tubular heart reverses its pumping direction. All ascidians possess the ability to propagate sexually, but quite a few of the colonial species can propagate by tissue fragmentation (Monniot et. al. 1991). There are also pelagic sea squirts referred to as pelagic tunicates. Those species are extremely difficult to acquire and may prove extremely difficult to maintain within captive systems. This volume is primarily concerned with the Ascidians (Sea Squirts) which live attached to benthic structure."
"Our first volume of the Captive Oceans Series covered the Living Sponges (Porifera). Sponges are perhaps the first multi-cellular organisms to have evolved on this planet. They are still here, filtering single celled bacteria, protozoans, very fine particulate matter and dissolved organics from the worlds oceans. These historically overlooked animals appear to be fast becoming important natural filtration components of natural and captive ocean systems. Scientists have had difficulty in the past maintaining living sponge specimens within captive laboratory setups. These difficult maintenance issues with living sponges have not been a problem that has affected the captive maintenance of sea squirts. Ascidians have been successfully maintained and examined within captive research laboratory systems (Boyd et. al. 1986). Most of these systems had open to semi-open water replacement rates and utilized phytoplankton drip systems. The best scientific captive success has occurred with temperate to cold water ascidian species."
"We begin this book with a chapter describing the basic physiology of ascidians. The primary biological organs and structures of sea squirts are discussed. Section topics include: basic body structure; outer tunic; inner mantle; muscles; two siphons; inner branchial basket; endostyle organ; the process of iodine binding; and the branchial wall. A section covering the classification and geological history of ascidians is also included. A basic understanding of the first chapter will help captive aquarist integrate and maintain ascidians within captive systems. Ascidian scientist can consider this chapter an introduction to the ascidians. The second chapter covers the important biological cells and chemicals that occur within ascidians. Some of these cells and chemicals are unusual and unique for marine organisms. Topics include: pigment cells; luminocyte cells; spicules; opal; vaterite; ascidian blood; vanandium accumulation; and vanadocytes. The information within this chapter is not required reading for captive aquarist, but ascidian scientist will find the information valuable."
"The third chapter within this book covers the main body organs and structures that occur within ascidians. Topics discussed include: alimentary system (digestive tract); nervous system; cerebral ganglion (brain); neural gland; dorsal strand; heart; reproductive organs; coloration pigments; coloration patterns; and the chemical waste processing capabilities of Ascidians. Ascidian scientist will find this information valuable, but it is not required for the typical captive aquarist. The fourth chapter contains information that is important for captive aquarist and ascidian scientist. This chapter discusses the nutrition, filtration capacity and growth of ascidians. Understanding how ascidians acquire nutrition and support growth can give the captive scientist a better understanding of how sea squirts integrate into the natural environment. This understanding can also help captive aquarist maintain sea squirts within captive systems. Topics discussed include: pumping rates; filtration rates; food collection; food transport; suspension feeding; phytoplankton; particulate matter; dissolved organics; bacteria; spontaneous squirting; non-feeding periods; and growth rates."
"The fifth chapter details the physical distribution of ascidians within their natural ocean habitats. Effects caused by environmental factors are discussed. A basic understanding of the natural environments that sea squirts inhabit can be beneficial to captive aquarist attempting to duplicate natural habitats. Ascidian scientist will find information concerning the natural environment very valuable. Topics discussed include: natural abundance; geological distribution; effects of temperature; salinity; physical factors affecting distribution; effects of sedimentation; cave dwelling communities; environmental stress; and zonation boundaries. The sixth chapter covers bio-active compounds, predators and symbionts. Information concerning secondary metabolites and toxins is not required reading for captive aquarist, but the information concerning predators, parasites, symbiotic organisms and associated fauna is very important for captive maintenance. Ascidian scientist will find this chapter important. Topics discussed include: secondary metabolites; toxins; anti-bacterial; anti-viral; immunity; immune compounds; natural products; predators; parasites; symbiotic algal organisms; and associated macro and micro fauna."
"The seventh chapter concerns the life history, propagation and competition of ascidians. Ascidian life spans are discussed as well as the various strategies they utilize to propagate themselves. Sexual propagation of ascidians produces an interesting tadpole-like larvae. A basic understanding of this information can be beneficial to captive aquarist, while ascidian scientist will find the information very interesting. Topics discussed include: life history; programmed cell death; allorecognition; fusion; resorption; regeneration; budding; sexual propagation; larvae; larval settlement; metamorphosis; competition; fouling; and human consumption. The eight chapter covers the acquisition, handling and captive growth of sea squirts. Most of the information contained within this chapter is based on my personal experiences with ascidians. Captive aquarist and ascidian scientist should find this information to be extremely valuable. Topics discussed include: importation; locating hitchhiking ascidians; harvesting fouling organisms; sea squirt decorator crabs; captive sea squirt hunts; handling and transportation; captive growth; captive propagation; and captive larval release."
"The ninth chapter defines some basic guidelines that can be utilized to maintain ascidians within captive systems. These guidelines are primarily based on my experience with tropical ascidians. Captive aquarist will find this information to be extremely valuable. Ascidian scientist that are experimenting with captive laboratory systems might find some useful information within this chapter. Topics discussed include: cryptic sea squirt zones; semi-cryptic sea squirt zones; semi-exposed sea squirt zones; exposed sea squirt zones; marine snow storms; phytoplankton as supplemental food; organic nutrients to stimulate growth; and supplemental iodine additions. The final chapter details my personal experiences maintaining specific ascidian species in captive systems. Most of these species have done extremely well. Colonial specimens have propagated asexually, while solitary specimens have survived for over 12 months. The ascidians discussed include: the ‘blue lollipop’ stalked ascidian; a purple stalked colonial ascidian; the ‘candy cane’ Polycarpa papillata; a cryptic white Ascidia specimen; a colonial Clavelina sea squirt; and a long term surviving Botryllus species."
"The last part of this book contains a very long appendix that was constructed specifically for this book. Appendix A was assembled from published scientific memoirs and studies which surveyed the ascidian species located in specific areas. We have constructed an annotated list of all the species contained within the main three Orders of the Ascidians. This appendix represents a very complete listing of all the ascidian species known to exist in the tropical, subtropical, temperate and cold-temperate waters. Some of the polar and abyssal species are also listed. Many of the species within this list have expanded descriptions that are meant for identification of living specimens."
"Ascidians have proven to be very interesting organisms to study within captive systems. Captive aquarist are usually shocked when they first see an ascidian respond to a visual stimulus. Many species have an ability to sense light similar to the ability that certain bivalves possess. Now that we have been examining reef rock for cryptic and exposed ascidians, it is simply amazing how many specimens can inhabit rock from tropical reef platforms. Some of these ascidians are camouflaged very well and are difficult to observe, while others possess some incredible coloration patterns. The purpose of this book is to assist aquarist with identifying sea squirts located within captive systems, on ocean rocks and attached to other organisms. We also offer techniques and information that captive aquarist can utilize to successfully maintain many ascidian species. Reef scientist and ascidian scientist will find this book to contain a brief summary of the known scientific facts concerning the ascidians. Scientist might also gain insights from the captive research we have performed. The sea squirts can be very interesting organisms that also possess powerful natural filtration capabilities."
Boyd, H.C., S.K. Brown, J.A. Harp and I.L. Weissman (1986) Growth and Sexual Maturation of Laboratory-Cultured Monterey Botryllus schlosseri. Biology Bulletin 170:91-109
Monniot, C., F. Monniot and P. Laboute (1991) Coral Reef Ascidians of New Caledonia. ORSTOM Paris. 233 pp.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction
Chapter 1 - Geological History and Basic Physiology
Introduction
Classification and Geological History
Body Structure
Ascidian Test or Tunic
Mantle and Muscles
Siphons
Branchial Sac or Basket
Endostyle
Iodine Binding
Branchial Wall
Chapter 2 - Biological Cells and Chemicals
Introduction
Pigment Cells
Luminocyte Cells
Spicules
Opal and Vaterite
Ascidian Blood
Vanadium Accumulation
Vanadocytes
Chapter 3 - Body Structure and Organs
Introduction
Alimentary System or Digestive Tract
Nervous System
Cerebral Ganglion
Neural Gland and Dorsal Strand
Ascidian Heart
Reproductive Organs
The Coloration of Ascidians
Chemical Waste Processing
Chapter 4 - Nutrition, Filtration Capacity and Growth
Introduction
Pumping Rates
Filtration Rates
Food Collection and Transport
Suspension Feeding
Phytoplankton
Particulate Matter
Dissolved Organics and Bacteria
Squirting
Non-Feeding Periods
Growth Rates
Chapter 5 - Physical Distribution
Introduction
Natural Abundance
Geographical Distribution
Effects of Temperature and Salinity
Physical Factors Affecting Distribution
Effects of Sedimentation
Cave Dwelling Communities
Environmental Stress
Zonation Boundaries
Chapter 6 - Bio-Active Compounds, Predators and Symbionts
Introduction
Secondary Metabolites
Toxins
Anti-Bacterial and Anti-Viral
Immunity and Immune Compounds
Natural Products
Predators
Parasites
Symbiotic Algal Organisms
Associated Macro and Micro Fauna
Chapter 7 - Life History, Propagation and Competition
Introduction
Life History of Ascidians
Programmed Cell Death
Allorecognition, Fusion and Resorption
Regeneration
Budding
Sexual Propagation
Ascidian Larvae
Larval Settlement and Metamorphosis
Competition
Fouling and Human Consumption
Chapter 8 - Acquisition, Handling and Captive Growth
Introduction
Importing Sea Squirts
Locating Hitchhiking Ascidians
Harvesting Fouling Organisms
A Sea Squirt Decorator Crab
Captive Sea Squirt Hunts
Handling and Transportation
Captive Growth
Propagation in Captivity
Larval Release in Captivity
Chapter 9 - Sea Squirt Captive Maintenance
Introduction
Cryptic Sea Squirt Zones
Semi-Cryptic Sea Squirt Zones
Semi-Exposed Sea Squirt Zones
Exposed Sea Squirt Zones
Marine Snow Storms
Phytoplankton as Supplemental Food
Organic Nutrients to Stimulate Growth
Supplemental Iodine Additions
Chapter 10 - The Captive Integration of Specific Sea Squirts
Introduction
The ‘Blue Lollipop’ Stalked Ascidian
A Purple Stalked Colonial Ascidian
Polycarpa papillata the ‘Candy Cane’ Sea Squirt
A Cryptic White Ascidia sp. Specimen
Clavelina Sea Squirts Thriving in Captivity
A Long Term Surviving Botryllus sp. Ascidian
Epilogue
Appendix A - Ascidia Genera
Order Aplousobranchia
Order Phlebobranchia
Order Stolidobranchia
Appendix B - Conversions and Equivalents
Glossary of Terms
Index
DE Publishing - Product Listing
The CMAT Series
The Captive Oceans Series
The Reef Building Stony Coral (RBSC) Series
