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Didemnum molle
It is a species of colonial tunicate. Each individual zooid has a plump, urn-shaped body with a diameter of up to 10 cm. The tunic (body wall) is made of a cellulose-like substance that is strong but flexible, and is perforated by numerous small holes, the buccal siphons, through which water is drawn into the body. At the top of the body is the large atrial siphon through which water flows out. The tunic is strengthened by the presence of many spherical calcareous spicules which are particularly concentrated round the neck of the urn.
It is native to the Red Sea and the tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region. It grows on rock or dead coral on shallow reefs.
Other names of this species are green barrel sea squirt or the green reef sea-squirt.
Great colours ! Love these sea-squirts and this one looks extra special. Thanks for sharing this Marek and congratulations on the well-deserved SOTD.
Wow,amazing creature Marek,congrats on the well deserved SOTD and thanks for sharing
Congratulations Marek, your Tall Urn Ascidian is our Spotting of the Day! Thanks to The MnMs for identification.
"Our intriguing Spotting of the Day, a Tall Urn Ascidian (Didemnum molle), does belong to the Animal kingdom! Ascidians or sea squirts (Class: Ascidiacea; Phylum: Chordata) are marine organisms that feed by taking in water through oral siphons. At the top of this ascidian's body a large atrial siphon can be seen through which water flows out, revealing the branchial basket where filtration is taking place. The hue of Didemnum molle is due to the presence of symbiotic blue-green algae".
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Spotted on Mar 27, 2018
Submitted on Mar 27, 2018
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