Description:
This
tunicate is usually black, dark brown, orange brown or
red due to particles in the tissue. In clear water it
is light yelow-green. It has two siphons that are usually
exposed from the rocks. It is small and can be a variety
of colors depending on what the conditions are.
Habitat:
The
yellow-green tunicate is found in rocky exposed crevices
and rocky walls. It can also be found in protected waters
on pilings and floats. You can find this tunicate in warm,
shallow waters.
Range
(include invasive, native, endemic): This
tunicate is an invasive species meaning that it was not
naturally born here and was probably brought over by boat
or other transportation. Can be found in warm shallow waters
about 1-2 feet deep.
Trophic
information: This
sea squirt filters particles in the water through its body.
It eats bacteria and other organic particles that can be
found floating in the water. Its predators are fish and
mollucs.
Safety:
There
are no safety issues although you may get squirted in the
eye with a little water but it doesn't cause any harm. Keep
the siphons pointed away from your eyes to avoid being squirted
in the eye.
Comments:
It
is very small and hard to find. It is found attached to
the bottom of rocks. If you want to find it you must turn
the rocks over. It is also very slimy and slippery making
it difficult to collect. It doesn't do good in the classroom,
it dies easily.