Common Name
Sea Vase Tunicate (sea squirt)
Scientific Name
Ciona intestinalis
Status
Now present in Cape Breton waters
Description
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Solitary sea squirt but can be found in large aggregates (groups or clusters)
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Each individual ranges in height up to 15cm
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Body is soft and translucent
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Color ranges from transparent white to pale greenish/yellow
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Orange vertical bars may be present on the body
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Body has two siphons which may yellow or red markings
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Retractable body
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May be leathery in appearance due to fouling by other organisms
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Larvae settle after 2-10 days
Invasion History/Regional Sightings
The sea vase tunicate is native to Nova Scotia and Cape Breton Island. Recently, however, this species has been extending its range and is also taking on the traits of an invasive species.
Additional Websites related to the sea vase tunicate
- Solitary ascidian: Ciona intestinalis - from CSIRO (Australia's Commonwealth Scientific and Research Organization) Marine Research and CRIMP (Centre for Research on Introduced Marine Pests)
- Basic information on the sea squirt: Ciona intestinalis -The Marine Life Information Network for Britain and Ireland (MarLIN)
- Ciona intestinalis fact sheet - USGS Nonindigenous aquatic species
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