|
|
Family: Ascidiidae
|
Bocas Species Database Habitat: Found on mangrove roots in calm waters in Bocas del Toro. Also found on artificial structures. Distribution: The geographical range includes Panama, the Caribbean and northeast Brazil. Natural History Notes: Siphons are always directed upwards. Sequesters acid in their tunic, at levels that are effective in deterring fish predation. Their body also contains deterrent organic extracts. Depth: 0.5-2.0 m Characteristics: Individuals are 5-15 cm long, with a brown or dark green body wall and greenish or green and yellow siphons. Small round projections are common on the tunic, especially around siphons. Siphons present 12 or more lobes; the atrial is usually short and very posterior. The intestine is quite expanded forming a bag with sediment. Musculature forms a dense mat on the right side of the body. |