Chordata
Euherdmania gigantea
1. In situ (Greg McFall)
2. In situ (Danny Gleason)
3. In situ (Danny Gleason)
4. In situ-image shows close up of zooid chambers of E. gigantea (Danny Gleason)
5. Out of Water (Lauren Wagner)
6. Out of water (Steve Vives)
7. Out of water (Steve Vives)
8. Out of water (Rob Ruzicka)
9. Out of water (Rob Ruzicka)
Size
Colony height: reaching 10-25cm (4-10") Colony width: reaching 20cm (8")
Recognition Characters
Colonies are compound, massive, irregularly spherical, pear-shaped, or capitate, often times arising from a short, thick peduncle. The extremely large zooids are completely embedded in the tunic but are clearly visible. The surface of the tunic is smooth, sometimes pitted, and cartilaginous in consistency.
Color
White to transparent. Zooids are white.
Habitat & Depth
Attach to a variety of bottoms including rocks and ledges. To 50m.
Distribution at GRNMS
Abundant. Attached to tops and faces of ledges.
Geographic Range
Georgia, both coasts of Florida, Gulf of Mexico to the Yucatan Peninsula.
Behavior & Notes
Synonyms
Clavelina gigantea
Van Name 1945