Aplidium punctum is a colonial ascidian forming capitate colonies reaching 6 cm in height.
Up to forty zooids are embedded in a common test forming a flat-topped lobe arising from a stalk.
The base of the
colony is often encrusted with sand. The test is transluscent and the general colour of the colony is
pale orange. Each zooid has a six-lobed oral siphon and a red spot at the upper-end of the endostyle.
Colonies of orange flake-ascidians often live aggregated, forming bunches attached to rocks
from low water level to 25 meters deep.
It is found in the North-East Atlantic and the English Channel.
(source : European Register of Marine Species)
Zooid : Individual, single animal.
Test : or tunic: thick layer secreted by the mantel containing cellulose and protecting the animal.
Oral siphon : Opening by which water is drawn in the ascidian.
Endostyle : Groove through which food particles are moved up to the oesophagus.
Aplidium punctum
Close view
Aplidium punctum
Aplidium punctum
Top photograph :
© Wilfried Bay-Nouailhat. Published with author's kind permission :
Aplidium punctum,
Iles Glénan, South Brittany, West of France. Depth 12 meters.
Bottom photographs : © Wilfried Bay-Nouailhat. Published with author's kind permission :
Aplidium punctum, Close view. Ria d'Etel, South Brittany, West of France. Depth 11 meters.
© Wilfried Bay-Nouailhat. Published with author's kind permission :
Aplidium punctum, . Iles Glénan, South Brittany, West of France. Depth 8 meters.
© Wilfried Bay-Nouailhat. Published with author's kind permission :
Aplidium punctum, . Iles Glénan, South Brittany, West of France. Depth 7 meters.
Text : Anne Bay-Nouailhat © 2005-2010.
Translation : Anne Bay-Nouailhat © 2007-2010.
