Pycnoclavella aurilucens is a colonial ascidian. Each zooid is 6 mm in height and 2 mm in
diameter. They are joined together by a thick basal stolon encrusting rocks and may form colonies up to
10 cm in diameter.
Zooids arise from a short stalk erected from the basal crust. The test is transparent and three spots of various
colour, orange, yellow or white can be seen on the upper part of the branchial sac. In winter, zooids disappear,
and the basal stolon is the only remaining part of the colony. In Spring, zooids bud from the stolon.
Small neon sea-squirts are attached to rocks or hydrarians from 5 to 25 meters deep in current-swept areas.
It is found in the Atlantic Ocean, the English Channel and the Mediterranean Sea.
(source : European Register of Marine Species)
Zooid : Individual, single animal.
Stolon : Root-like element binding together the individuals of a colony.
Test : or tunic: thick layer secreted by the mantel containing cellulose and protecting the animal.
Pycnoclavella aurilucens
Group of small neon sea-squirts
Pycnoclavella aurilucens
Group of small neon sea-squirts
Pycnoclavella aurilucens
Group of small neon sea-squirts
Pycnoclavella aurilucens
Close view
Top photograph :
© Wilfried Bay-Nouailhat. Published with author's kind permission :
Pycnoclavella aurilucens,
Illes Medes, Costa Brava, East of Spain. Depth 4 meters.
Bottom photographs : © Wilfried Bay-Nouailhat. Published with author's kind permission :
Pycnoclavella aurilucens, Group of small neon sea-squirts. Pointe de Trévignon, South Brittany, West of France. Depth 8 meters.
© Wilfried Bay-Nouailhat. Published with author's kind permission :
Pycnoclavella aurilucens, Group of small neon sea-squirts. Pointe de Trévignon, South Brittany, West of France. Depth 8 meters.
© Wilfried Bay-Nouailhat. Published with author's kind permission :
Pycnoclavella aurilucens, Group of small neon sea-squirts. Pointe de Trévignon, South Brittany, West of France. Depth 8 meters.
© Wilfried Bay-Nouailhat. Published with author's kind permission :
Pycnoclavella aurilucens, Close view. Anse de Camaret, West Brittany, West of France. Depth 10 meters.
Text : Anne Bay-Nouailhat © 2005-2010.
Translation : Anne Bay-Nouailhat © 2007-2010.
