Chordate characteristics are prominent and persist in the adult. Postanal tail Cephalochordates are marine filter feeders. They burrow tail first into the sand with only the anterior exposed. Water is drawn into mouth by ciliary action and food is trapped on a mucous net secreted across the pharyngeal slits. Water exits through the slits and trapped food passes down the digestive tube.
Cephalochordates are feeble swimmers with fishlike motions.
Frequently move to new locations Muscle segments are serially arranged in chevronlike rows, and coordinated contraction flexes the notochord from side to side in a sinusoidal pattern.