Didemnum conchyliatum

(White Speck Tunicate)

Size

Colony height: 0.5-5cm (0.25-2")

Recognition Characters

Can be distinguished from similar looking tunicates by the numerous stellate-shaped spicules embedded throughout the tunic. Colonies consist of numerous individuals contained inside a thin encrusting tunic. Tunicate has one or several large outflow openings.

Color

Usually orange, sometimes white

Habitat & Depth

Attach to a variety substrates. To 50m.

Distribution at GRNMS

Occasional.

Geographic Range

Widely distributed from Cape Cod to Southern Bermuda including Bermuda and Gulf of Mexico

Behavior & Notes

Synonyms

References

Humann 1992a