Red sea squirt (Halocynthia papillosa)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Halocynthia papillosa
- Common name
- Red sea squirt
- Category
- Tunicates
- Family
- Pyuridae
- Genus
- Halocynthia
- Size
- 5–12 cm
- Depth
- 3–60 m
- IUCN status
- Least concern (LC)
- Danger level
- Harmless
- Habitats
- rocky-reef
- Behaviours
- benthic, solitary
- Ocean zones
- East Atlantic, Macaronesia, Mediterranean
Description
Halocynthia papillosa reaches 12 cm. Solitary Mediterranean ascidian (Pyuridae) with vase-shaped body vivid red to orange-red, tunic covered with dense papillae giving velvety or velvet appearance (hence papillosa), two siphons at top with cross-shaped openings. Lives from 3 to 60 m on Mediterranean rocky reefs, walls and drop-offs. Solitary filter feeder. Iconic Mediterranean species, often concentrated in spectacular red populations on sciaphilic walls. Classic Mediterranean dive photo subject, vivid color ensuring visual impact.
Photo of Red sea squirt
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the Red sea squirt?
- Red sea squirt (Halocynthia papillosa) reaches 5–12 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the Red sea squirt?
- Red sea squirt is found between 3–60 m deep.
- Is the Red sea squirt dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Harmless.
- What is the conservation status of the Red sea squirt?
- IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
- Where can you find the Red sea squirt?
- Found in: East Atlantic, Macaronesia, Mediterranean.
Other species in the family Pyuridae
Sources
- Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 103827)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 2331880)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia