The first deep sea tunicates we collected thrived for a few months—then mysteriously died. This was puzzling since deep sea animals tend to live much longer than their shallow-water cousins.
To solve the puzzle, we experimented with new—and sometimes unusual—methods to keep our tunicates alive for longer periods. For example, we use a turkey baster to blow off silt and debris that settles on this animal—much the way currents do in the wild. The turkey baster also came in handy for removing excess food trapped inside a tunicate's mouthlike hood. This basic hygiene prevents the growth of bacteria and algae that can cause infection, much like brushing your teeth!
