Star ascidian (Botryllus schlosseri)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Botryllus schlosseri
- Common name
- Star ascidian
- Category
- Tunicates
- Family
- Styelidae
- Genus
- Botryllus
- Size
- 2–10 cm
- Depth
- 0–200 m
- IUCN status
- Least concern (LC)
- Danger level
- Harmless
- Habitats
- rocky-reef
- Behaviours
- benthic, colonial
- Ocean zones
- East Atlantic, Mediterranean
Description
Botryllus schlosseri forms mats reaching 10 cm. Cosmopolitan temperate to tropical colonial ascidian (Styelidae) with colonial body in flattened mat covering substrates, formed of multiple zooids (individual polyps) arranged in rosettes or stars of 5 to 20 zooids sharing common cloacal siphon, highly variable colors (orange, red, yellow, purple, blue, brown) with contrasted patterns. Lives from 0 to 200 m on rocks, algae, port substrates. Model in developmental biology and aging (colonial and clonal). Cosmopolitan macro dive photo subject, aesthetic star patterns.
Photo of Star ascidian
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the Star ascidian?
- Star ascidian (Botryllus schlosseri) reaches 2–10 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the Star ascidian?
- Star ascidian is found between 0–200 m deep.
- Is the Star ascidian dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Harmless.
- What is the conservation status of the Star ascidian?
- IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
- Where can you find the Star ascidian?
- Found in: East Atlantic, Mediterranean.
Other species in the family Styelidae
Sources
- Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 103862)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 5200757)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia