How big is the Blue bell tunicate?

Blue bell tunicate (Rhopalaea crassa) reaches 5–10 cm in length.

At what depth can you find the Blue bell tunicate?

Blue bell tunicate is found between 5–40 m deep.

What is the conservation status of the Blue bell tunicate?

IUCN status: Least concern (LC).

Where can you find the Blue bell tunicate?

Found in: Asian Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea, Mediterranean.

Blue bell tunicate (Rhopalaea crassa)

Key facts

Scientific name: Rhopalaea crassa
Common name: Blue bell tunicate
Category: Tunicates
Family: Diazonidae
Genus: Rhopalaea
Size: 5–10 cm
Depth: 5–40 m
IUCN status: Least concern (LC)
Danger level: Harmless
Habitats: coral-reef
Behaviours: benthic, colonial
Ocean zones: Asian Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea, Mediterranean

Description

Rhopalaea crassa reaches 10 cm height per tube. Indo-Pacific colonial ascidian (Diazonidae) with individual tubes tightly packed in clusters or bouquets, each in elongated vase shape transparent to blue-purple to fluorescent turquoise, orange or red siphons visible at top. Lives from 5 to 40 m on coral reefs, under overhangs and in shaded recesses. Filter feeder. Classic macro dive photo subject at Lembeh, Anilao, Raja Ampat for its colors and graphic appearance, often photographed in backlight.

Photo of Blue bell tunicate

Frequently asked questions

How big is the Blue bell tunicate?: Blue bell tunicate (Rhopalaea crassa) reaches 5–10 cm in length.
At what depth can you find the Blue bell tunicate?: Blue bell tunicate is found between 5–40 m deep.
Is the Blue bell tunicate dangerous to divers?: Danger level: Harmless.
What is the conservation status of the Blue bell tunicate?: IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
Where can you find the Blue bell tunicate?: Found in: Asian Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea, Mediterranean.

Similar species

Sources

Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 251321)
Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 2330621)
Conservation: IUCN Red List
Encyclopedia: Wikipedia