The solitary ascidian Ciona robusta, exhibiting an almost transparent body, is characterized by a wide geographical distribution 1. Overall, our findings suggest protocols for an easier rearing of Ciona robusta in the laboratory, increasing the potentialities of these organisms as models for research. A compound diet containing both live algae and non-live particles of a correct size is indispensable to assure development, low stress and high survival rates. A strong effect of doses was highlighted, but water pollution may represent a major concern. Molecular analyses of growth-related genes were performed to detect stressful effects due to feed quality and quantity. We also aimed at determining rearing conditions able to limit handling operations, save artificial seawater and control water pollution. Here we test the effects of three experimental diets on survival and growth, to detect physiological and molecular responses to various types of alimentary suspended particles and the effects of feed concentrations. However, some aspects of its biology, as the feeding efficiency according to diet quantity and quality, are still scarcely known. In vitro fertilization and breeding of sea squirts is possible, in order to preserve consistent genetic pools. The sea squirt Ciona robusta is a model organism characterized by a transparent body, exhibiting peculiar physiologic and evolutionary characters.
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