Ascidiella aspersa
directions_boat This is an invasive or introduced species.

Ascidiella aspersa
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Size: 13 cm

Distribution: Few records in SA associated with shipping areas

Habitat: Rocky coast and artificial structures. Estuaries

Depth: Subtidal to 10+ metres

This introduced solitary ascidian is native to Europe, but now spread globally due to shipping. Its test is a cloudy white or grey, flecked with red and covered in white papillae. The relatively short siphons are lobed and can have red stripes inside. This species resembles many others in the Ascidia genus, but in those species there are usually no papillae.