Chordata
Botryllus planus
(Geometric Encrusting Tunicates)
1. Out of water-tunicate is encrusting on pvc fish trap (Rob Ruzicka)
2. Out of water-tunicate is encrusting on pvc fish trap (Rob Ruzicka)
3. Out of water-tunicate is encrusting on pvc fish trap (Rob Ruzicka)
Size
Colony height: 2.5cm (1") Colony width: 15-20cm (6-8") Individual zooids: 0.5-1cm (0.25-0.4")
Recognition Characters
Individual tunicates of this genus make a star-shaped arrangement around the small opening of its incurrent siphon. Together the individuals grow in a common tunic and form geometric patterns or designs by circling around a central outcurrent siphon.
Color
Colonies can be multiple bright colors including orange, green, yellow, white and black.
Habitat & Depth
Encrust hard bottoms, dead coral, rocks and shipwrecks. To 50m.
Distribution at GRNMS
Occasional.
Geographic Range
Genus widespread represented in Western Atlantic from Maine to Southern Brazil including Caribbean
Behavior & Notes
Positive ID of a particular sp. requires microscopic examination of internal body parts.
Synonyms