Stolonica socialis is a colonial ascidian of 2 cm high. Up to 300 zooids can be closely
connected through a basal stolon to compose a colony. Zooids are ovoid, the test is smooth and its color may
vary from brown to yellow-orange. Siphons are terminal, prominent and small, the oral one being slightly
larger than the atrial one.
The colony is attached to rocks between 5 to 35 meters deep. It is found in the Atlantic Ocean from the
British coasts to Brittany and in 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.
Atrial siphon : Opening through which water is expelled.
Stolonica socialis
Stolonica socialis
Close-up view
Top photograph :
© Wilfried Bay-Nouailhat. Published with author's kind permission :
Stolonica socialis,
Iles Glénan, South Brittany, West of France. Depth 9 meters.
Bottom photographs : © Wilfried Bay-Nouailhat. Published with author's kind permission :
Stolonica socialis, . Anse de Camaret, North Brittany, West of France. Depth 10 meters.
© Wilfried Bay-Nouailhat. Published with author's kind permission :
Stolonica socialis, Close-up view. Anse de Camaret, West-Brittany, West of France. Depth 20 meters.
Text : Anne Bay-Nouailhat © 2005-2010.
Translation : Anne Bay-Nouailhat © 2007-2010.
