Ascidiella scabra is a solitary ascidian of 2 to 5 cm in length. Its oval body is often
attached to sustratum, seaweeds or rocks, by its left side. The cartilaginous test is white, more or less
translucent with small reddish spots and small red papillae around both siphons. The atrial siphon is
close to the terminal oral siphon.
The hairy sea-squirt lives from low level water to 300 meters deep. It is found in the Atlantic Ocean,
the North Sea, the English Channel and the Mediterranean Sea.
(source : European Register of Marine Species)
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.
Atrial siphon : Opening through which water is expelled.
Top photograph :
© Wilfried Bay-Nouailhat. Published with author's kind permission :
Ascidiella scabra,
Bay of Concarneau, South-Brittany, West of France. Depth 4 meters.
Text : Anne Bay-Nouailhat © 2006-2010.
Translation : Anne Bay-Nouailhat © 2007-2010.
