Distaplia bermudensis

Distaplia bermudensis
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Size: Colony size to 15 cm

Distribution: Few SA records. Gulf St. Vincent

Habitat: Unknown. Records are from artificial structures such as wharfs and jetty pylons

Depth: Subtidal

Distaplia bermudensis
Distaplia bermudensis
Distaplia bermudensis

An introduced species, this colonial ascidian can be found in estuarine environments, in a variety of colours, from translucent grey to greenish or reddish. Each cushion has one or more large shared cloacal apertures, almost invisible due to a lack of pigmentation on the rim. In contrast, the branchial apertures have a thick white rim that is circular, with slightly pinched ends. This species is not easily mistaken for any others known to be present in SA.