Ascidiella scabra (O F Müller, 1776)

Ascidiella scabra

Description: Small solitary sea squirts. Test grey and semi-transparent, zooid with some red marking usually. There are often markings around the siphons in the form of cream and/or red stripes, and often a creamy patch between the siphons. The animal is attached along one side and the base so that both siphons appear to be at about the same level. The test sometimes grows many fibrils, giving it a hairy appearance. Commonly forms dense aggregations. 20-50mm long.

Habitat: Usually in sheltered places with some current. Often attached to other ascidians, bryozoans or algae. Lower shore to 300 m.

Distribution: All around the British Isles and from Norway to the Mediterranean. Particularly common in some Scottish sea lochs.

Similar Species: Superficially similar to small individuals of Ascidiella aspersa, Ascidia mentula etc.

Key Identification Features:

• Red pigment on body, seen through test.
• Siphons 1/4 body length apart, with longitudinal pigment markings.
• Attached along ventral side of body.

Distribution Map: NBN map : National Biodiversity Network mapping facility, data for UK.

WoRMS: Species record : World Register of Marine Species.

iNaturalist: Species account : iNaturalist World Species Observations database