Taxonomy: Tunicates belong to the Ascidiacea class within the Chordata phylum. They are closely related to vertebrates, sharing a notochord during their larval stage. 

Species: Over 3,000 species of tunicates exist. They range in size from tiny millimeters to large, football-sized creatures. Some live in colonies, while others are solitary. 

Reproduction: They reproduce both sexually and asexually. Colonies can bud off new individuals, while solitary tunicates release eggs and sperm into the water. Fertilized eggs develop into free-swimming larvae. 

Habitat: Found in oceans worldwide, tunicates prefer shallow, coastal areas. They often anchor to rocks, docks, or coral reefs. Some tunicates can also be found in the deep sea. 

Diet: Tunicates are filter feeders, straining plankton and other small particles from the water. They use a siphon to suck in water and extract food. The filtered water is expelled through a second siphon. 

Conservation: Are facing threats from habitat destruction and pollution. However, some invasive species of tunicates pose threats to local ecosystems, outcompeting native species. 

Unique Anatomy:
They have two siphons, one for intake and one for expelling water. Their soft, sac-like bodies give them the nickname “sea squirts.” When squeezed, they squirt water out as a defense mechanism. 

Regeneration: Some can regenerate lost parts. This is particularly common in colonial species, which can replace missing sections of the colony. 

Lifespan: Tunicates live from a few months to a few years, depending on the species. Solitary species tend to have shorter lifespans compared to colonial ones.