Distinguishing Characteristics |
Body is ovoid or globular, slightly flattened from side to side, smooth, translucent, firm, color tannish or greenish olive to yellowish green; 2 siphons protrude from one end of the body (sometimes not apparent when disturbed or dead), the shorter siphon has 6 lobes around the opening, the longer siphon with 4 lobes, siphons diverging but close at the bases; can squirt water through siphons when disturbed; usually attached to hard substrates; usual grows in clusters, this is a single, solitary organism. |
Similar Species |
The other common solitary sea squirt, the pleated sea squirt, Styela plicata, is warty and creased in appearance. |
Habitat |
Gulf and bay, attaches to hard substrates |
Maximum Size |
2.5 cm (1 in) |
Other Common Names |
sea squirt, tunicate |
Previous Scientific Names |
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