Size

Individual zooids height: 4cm (1.6")

Recognition Characters

Tunicate consists of colonies of club shaped zooids. Zooids are joined together at their bases by a common tunic but extend upward individually. The two siphons are thinly outlined by a white pigment. Tunic has consistency of stiff gelatin and is tougher at the base of the zooids.

Color

Translucent, with scattered spots of opaque white pigment throughout the branchial region.

Habitat & Depth

Commonly grows in large clumps inshore on mangrove roots, jetties, rocks, ropes, and floating docks in marinas. Also attaches to reefs, wrecks, and rocks offshore.

Distribution at GRNMS

Occasional at GRNMS. Can be found attached to crevices on rocks.

Geographic Range

South from North Carolina south to Florida and the Gulf of Mexico. Also Cuba and the West Indies.

Behavior & Notes

During the cooler months at GRNMS the zooids die back to the base of the colony and persist throughout the winter as dormant buds which regrow during the spring.

Synonyms

References

Ruppert and Fox 1988