@mbari_news: The predatory tunicate (Megalodicopia spp.) lives attached to the rocky seafloor, orienting a cavernous mouth into the currents. Unlike most tunicates who strain food from the water, Megalodicopia takes a more active approach to dining. Their oral siphon has evolved into a large pair of lips that quickly close to engulf larger prey items. This unique anatomy allows the predatory tunicate to capture nutrient-rich crustaceans. Working with our partners at the @MontereyBayAquarium , we are learning more about the population of predatory tunicates in our blue backyard. Using MBARI's robotic submersibles, we have mapped where Megalodicopia live in Monterey Canyon. Monterey Bay Aquarium biologists are studying predatory tunicates and even culturing their larvae to understand more about their lifecycle. These tunicates grow very slowly, making Megalodicopia especially vulnerable to a changing ocean. Our unique partnership with the Monterey Bay Aquarium brings the deep sea to land, allowing visitors from around the world to meet the remarkable denizens of the deep face-to-face. Together, we hope to inspire stewardship of the ocean and all the remarkable animals that call it home. Special thanks to the Monterey Bay Aquarium Film and Video Team for providing videos shot in the Into the Deep exhibition.

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Tuesday 19 August 2025 21:26:06 GMT