All chordates have the following general characteristics.

• All are coelomate animals with bilateral symmetry.
• All have a three well-developed germ layers.
• All have a tube-within – a – tube body plan.
• They have a Pharyngeal gill that are paired.
• Most chordates have a post-anal tail, an appendage that projects posterior to the anus.
• Heart is ventral in position.
• Presence of notochord.
• Dorsal hollow nerve cord is present.