Common Name
Golden Star Tunicate
Scientific Name
Botryllus schlosseri (Pallas, 1766)
Status
Now quite common in Cape Breton waters
Now quite common in Cape Breton waters
Description
- Colonial sea squirt, colonies range in size from 7.5 – 10cm
- Zooids are small (about 2mm) with white or yellow markings
- Colonies are usually two-tones in color
- Primary color– black, brown, orange, green
- Secondary color- star or flower shaped patterns (usually yellow) - Colonies can re-grow from fragments
- Larvae settle out of water column within 36 hours
Invasion History/Regional Sightings
To our knowledge, the golden star tunicate has been in Nova Scotia, likely including Cape Breton, since the early 1900s, but has recently taken on characteristics of an invasive species. Project U.F.O. members have spotted golden star tunicate in the shallow subtidal areas of the Bras d'Or Lakes, Cape Breton Island.
Specific Habitat Preferences
The golden star tunicate prefers subtidal waters of less than 200m in depth. This sea squirt species can also be found in estuarine habitats where it may experience low salinities (18 ppt or less).
Additional websites about the golden star tunicate
- The golden star tunicate in PEI (info and pictures) - from PEI Fisheries and Aquaculture
- Identification card for Botryllus schlosseri - Salem Sound Coastwatch
- Great pictures and information- from the Guide to the Exotic Species of San Francisco Bay, California, USA
- More pictures and information- from the Smithsonian Station at Fort Pierce, Florida, USA
