Clavelina
Clavelina is a genus of colonial tunicates in the family Clavelinidae. They are commonly referred to as “sea squirts” or “sea tulips.” These small, sessile organisms are found in coastal waters around the world, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. They are typically found in shallow waters, attached to rocks, seaweed, or other hard surfaces.
Characteristics
Clavelina colonies are composed of numerous small individuals, called zooids, which are interconnected by a common vascular system. Each zooid has a sac-like body with two siphons: an incurrent siphon, through which water enters, and an excurrent siphon, through which water exits.
Clavelina species are characterized by their distinctive morphology, including:
- A translucent, gelatinous body
- A branched or tree-like colony structure
- A prominent oral siphon located at the top of the zooid
- An atrial siphon located at the base of the zooid
Environments
Clavelina species are typically found in shallow coastal waters, often in areas with strong currents. They prefer environments with a high degree of salinity and moderate temperatures. They are also commonly found in rocky reefs, seagrass beds, and mangrove forests.
References
For further information, refer to the following online resources: