TUNICATA : PHLEBOBRANCHIA : AscidiidaeSEA SQUIRTS

Ascidia conchilega O F Müller, 1776


Ascidia conchilega

Description: This solitary ascidian is irregular in shape, and lives in crevices or between stable boulders, where its body conforms to the space available. The test is thin and cartilaginous and the animal is usually green in colour. The siphons are placed far apart on the body but are capable of great extension. They are each marked with small red spots, eight around the oral siphon and six around the atrial. 50mm long x 20mm diameter.

Habitat: Commonly found on stable boulder slopes, beneath or between boulders, or in rock crevices. The test is usually firmly attached, and tears easily if the boulders are lifted.

Ecology: A long-lived species.

Distribution: Widespread around the British Isles.

Similar Species: Ascidia mentula can be found beneath boulders, but can be recognised by its different siphons and the fact that it is only attached on one side of the test.

Key Identification Features:

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



 Picton, B.E. & Morrow, C.C. (2016). Ascidia conchilega O F Müller, 1776. [In] Encyclopedia of Marine Life of Britain and Ireland.
https://www.habitas.org.uk/marinelife/species.asp?item=ZD1490 Accessed on 2025-02-15

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