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Species
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Species

Species - Styela plicata

Scientific name:
Styela plicata (Lesueur 1823)
Common name:
solitary ascidian
General description:
Summary Description

Styela plicata is a solitary ascidian that can occur singularly or in groups. It is commonly 40-70 mm but can reach 90 mm in length. The body is upright and oval with two short siphons. The branchial siphon is terminal and the atrial siphon antero-dorsal. Numerous large rounded lumps and deep grooves give it a cobblestone appearance. The body surface is almost naked, lacking spines and other appendages. It is opaque and white to tan in colour with broad brown stripes on the inside of the siphons, with the siphon openings occasionally red.
Australian distribution:
Established
Detected in:
New South Wales
South Australia
Victoria
Western Australia
Invasion status:

Non-native
Native origin:

Uncertain. North-west Pacific and/or North-east Atlantic

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Caption:
Styela plicata - NIMPIS.

Source:
Copyright Notice: Kott, 1985. Acknowledge: true
Caption:
Styela plicata diagram & key features. Solitary ascidian. Terminal inhalant (branchial) siphon. Antero-dorsal exhalant (atrial) siphon. Broad brown stripes on the inside of the siphons (not shown in diagram). Long narrow gonads (not shown on diagram). Male follicles separate from the ovary (not shown on diagram).

Source:
Copyright Notice: Diagram - Kott, 1985. Acknowledge: true

Last modified: 26 February 2020