Clavelina picta

Clavelina picta
Clavelina picta
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Subphylum: Tunicata
Class: Ascidiacea
Order: Aplousobranchia
Family: Clavelinidae
Genus: Clavelina
Species: C. picta
(Verrill, 1900)[1]
Binomial name
Clavelina picta
Synonyms

Aplidium crassum Herdman, 1886
Chondrostachys picta (Verrill, 1900)
Diazona picta Verrill, 1900
Rhodozona picta (Verrill, 1900)

Clavelina picta, common name the painted tunicate, is a species of tunicate (sea squirt), in the genus Clavelina (the "little bottles"). These animals, like all ascidians, are sessile filter feeders.

Contents

Description

Clavelina picta have variable cool colours. The rims of the siphons are reddish to dark purple. Their bodies are translucent.[2]

Distribution

This species is found in the waters of Florida, Bahamas, and the Caribbean.[2]

Habitat

Clavelina picta often occurs in large clusters attached to black coral, sponges, and gorgonians. Colonies may contain hundreds of individuals.[2]

References