The first definitive record of the giant larvacean, Bathochordaeus charon, since its original description in 1900 and a range extension to the northeast Pacific Ocean

Abstract

Background: Larvaceans in the genus Bathochordaeus are large, often abundant filter feeders found throughout much of the world ocean. The first described species, Bathochordaeus charon, was reported over 100 years ago by Chun. However in the time since, few specimens have matched Chun's original description, resulting in ambiguity on the validity of B. charon as a species.