Styela plicata (Lesueur, 1823)
Styela plicata is a solitary tunicate, variable in shape, but roughly oval. It is fixed to the substrate by the posterior end of its body, usually without roots or stalks. Its total body length can reach 90 mm. The color of the tunic is whitish with brown or black stripes radiating from the siphons.
Koukouras, A., Voultsiadou-Koukoura, E., Kevrekidis, T., Vafidis, D. (1995). Ascidian fauna of the Aegean Sea with a check list of the eastern Mediterranean and Black Sea species. Annales de l’Institut Océanographique 71: 19‑34
1968
TS-hull
Pleated sea squirt
The larval and juvenile stages live on marinas and docks, oyster reefs, rocks and coarse woody debris: adults prefer marinas, docks and hard rocky substrates. It can also live in coral reef habitats and is found from the low intertidal zone to depths of 30 metres. It is a suspension feeder that uses a mucous net to filter plankton from the water and it is hermaphroditic.
No impact on biodiversity has been reported to date.
The species is known to foul cultured bivalves, interfering with their growth in Brazil, Hong Kong, Japan, and Spain.
Yes
No
Records of Styela plicata
Sites where Styela plicata has been recorded in the Hellenic Seas.
