Giant Pyrosome - Oceana

Corals and Other Invertebrates

Giant Pyrosome

Pyrosoma spinosum

Distribution

Worldwide in tropical to temperate latitudes

ecosystem/habitat

Open ocean (pelagic)

Feeding Habits

Filter feeder

Taxonomy

Class Thaliacea (free-floating tunicates), Order Pyrosomida (pyrosomes)

     

    Giant Pyrosomes are bioluminescent (light producing), giving rise to the common name, which comes from the Greek for fire (“pyro”) and body (“soma”). The light produced by Giant Pyrosomes is particularly bright and long lasting and is beautiful to witness. Because the individual tunicates can reproduce via cloning, the colony can regenerate injured parts or continue growing after being broken apart. Unless all individual clones are killed at the same time, a colony can theoretically live forever, shrinking and growing based on available food and physical disturbance. Individual clones are hermaphroditic; they make both eggs and sperm. When two colonies meet in the open ocean, individuals likely engage in sexual reproduction. The colonies also reproduce asexually, by budding off tiny starter colonies that contain a few individual clones. Giant Pyrosomes are closely related to other pelagic tunicates (such as the salps) and more distantly related to benthic tunicates (called ascidians) and vertebrates.

    Engage Youth with Sailors for the Sea

    Oceana joined forces with Sailors for the Sea, an ocean conservation organization dedicated to educating and engaging the world’s boating community. Sailors for the Sea developed the KELP (Kids Environmental Lesson Plans) program to create the next generation of ocean stewards. Click here or below to download hands-on marine science activities for kids.

    Kids Environmental Lesson Plans

     

    FEATURED CAMPAIGN

    Save the Oceans, Feed the World

    We are restoring the world’s wild fish populations to serve as a sustainable source of protein for people.

    Learn More

    More CAMPAIGNs

    Protect Habitat

    Bycatch

    Plastics

    View All

    SHOW YOUR SUPPORT WITH A DONATION

    We have already protected nearly 4 million square miles of ocean and innumerable sea life - but there is still more to be done.

    Donate Here

    Become a Wavemaker

    Sign up today to get weekly updates and action alerts from Oceana.

    Shop
    Press Center
    Employment Opportunities
    Contact
    Financials
    Privacy Policy
    Terms of Use

    REGIONAL SITES :

    United States
    Europe
    Chile
    Canada
    Belize
    Philippines
    Brazil
    Peru
    Mexico

    FIND OCEANA

    TWEET TO SHARE OUR MESSAGE

    Twitter