Pyura tessellata (Forbes, 1848)

Pyura tessellata

Description: This solitary ascidian has a scaly appearance to the test and is normally found beneath rocks. The siphons are short and are placed at each end of the rather flattened body. 5mm tall by 15mm broad.

Habitat: Usually found beneath rocks in sites exposed to wave action or tidal streams, where there is no sediment beneath the rocks except coarse gravel.

Similar Species: Pyura squamulosa also has a rough test, but without the scaly appearance of this species.

Key Identification Features:

• Scaly appearance to test
• Flattened body with siphons at ends

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