Chordata
Molgula occidentalis
(Solitary Tunicate)
1. In situ - Most likely Molgula occidentalis because of large size. M. occidentalis is underneath encrusting orange sponge (Greg McFall)
2. Out of water (Chris Freeman)
3. Out of water (Chris Freeman)
4. Out of water (Chris Freeman)
5. Out of water (Chris Freeman)
6. Out of water - Most likely Molgula occidentalis because of large size. M. occidentalis is underneath encrusting orange sponge (Steve Vives)
Size
Colongy height 5cm (2") Colony width: 5cm (2")
Recognition Characters
Large solitary tunicate. Separated from other members of the Molgula because of its large size. Oval in shape with 2 large siphons. Tunic is leathery.
Color
Habitat & Depth
Shallow intertidal to 25m.
Distribution at GRNMS
Rare.
Geographic Range
Temperate to Circumtropical. Reported from Southern California to Western Italy
Behavior & Notes
Color of our specimen was unrecognizable due to complete encrustation by a sponge.
Synonyms
Ruppert and Fox 1988