Recruitment panels being processed in the field. These plates remain submerged and communities develop only on the underside, where there is no sedimentation.
Colonial ascidian occupying large extensions of vertical walls. Sea squirts are filter feeding organisms that feed on organic particles in suspension. The oral and atrial siphons, through which water enters and leaves, respectively, are clearly visible for each zooid.
Picture that illustrates the biodiversity that can be found in an area of approximately 10 cm2. Among the most visible groups, bivalves (Isognomon bicolor) and various species of sea squirts, sponges and bryozoans are the ones that stand out.
Panels used to test the effect of copper-based paints in community composition. The blue and white frames delimit experimental units subject to the effects of copper and control units, respectively.
Species of sponge with fused spicules forming structures like thorns. Out of the water, this animal disintegrates easily, which requires extreme care in handling.
The body support of many sponges and sea squirts is made possible by the arrangements of spicules. In this ascidian belonging to the family Didemnidae, calcareous spicules are responsible for its white color.
