TUNICATA : STOLIDOBRANCHIA : Styelidae | SEA SQUIRTS |
Styela clava |
Description: This solitary sea squirt is unique amongst the British ascidians in having a basal stalk. The test is covered with detritus and algae, giving a dirty brown appearance. The siphons are at one end of the elongate body. They are marked with purple and cream longitudinal stripes. Grows to 120mm long x 15mm wide.
Habitat: In sheltered areas attached to man-made surfaces, harbour walls etc.
Distribution: An introduced species in the British Isles, common in Southampton harbour, Portsmouth harbour, Milford Haven, etc.
Similar Species: Small specimens which have not grown a stalk could be confused with Pyura microcosmus.
Key Identification Features:
Distribution Map from NBN: Interactive map : National Biodiversity Network mapping facility, data for UK.
WoRMS: Species record : World Register of Marine Species.
Picton, B.E. & Morrow, C.C. (2016). Styela clava Herdman, 1881. [In] Encyclopedia of Marine Life of Britain and Ireland. http://www.habitas.org.uk/marinelife/species.asp?item=ZD1720 Accessed on 2021-01-22 |
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