Sea Squirts

Sea squirts, also known as tunicates, are fascinating marine invertebrates that belong to the subphylum Tunicata. These creatures are named for their ability to squirt water when disturbed. Sea squirts are filter feeders, drawing in water through an incurrent siphon, filtering out plankton and other small particles for food, and expelling the filtered water through an excurrent siphon. This efficient feeding mechanism makes them excellent natural water purifiers in the marine ecosystem. They are sessile as adults, meaning they attach themselves permanently to a substrate such as rocks, coral, or the hulls of ships. However, their larvae are free-swimming and bear a striking resemblance to tadpoles, which is why they are often studied for insights into vertebrate development.

In the aquarium hobby, sea squirts are appreciated for their unique appearance and their role in maintaining water quality. They come in a variety of colors and forms, often resembling small, vibrant sacks or tubes. Despite their beauty, they are not commonly kept in home aquariums due to their specialized care requirements. Sea squirts need pristine water conditions and a steady supply of planktonic food, which can be challenging to maintain. Additionally, they are sensitive to changes in water parameters, making them suitable only for advanced aquarists who are experienced in maintaining stable marine environments.

For those looking to add sea squirts to their aquarium, it's crucial to ensure that the tank is mature, with stable parameters and a well-established microfauna population to support their dietary needs. They should be placed in areas with moderate water flow to facilitate their filter-feeding process. While they do not have any known harmful interactions with other marine life, their presence can be an indicator of the tank's overall health. Observing the sea squirt's condition can provide insights into the water quality and the balance of the ecosystem within the aquarium.

Overall, sea squirts offer a unique glimpse into the complexity of marine life and the biological link between invertebrates and vertebrates. Their presence in an aquarium can add not only aesthetic value but also contribute to the ecological balance of the tank, making them a rewarding yet challenging addition for dedicated aquarists.

1. Common name: Crater Sea Squirt

   Scientific name: Aplidium crateriferum
2. Common name: Tabasco Tunicate

   Scientific name: Aplidium tabascum
3. 
   Common name: dirty sea-squirt

   Scientific name: Ascidiella aspersa
4. 
   Common name: Robust sea squirt

   Scientific name: Atriolum robustum
5. Common name: Leach's compound ascidian

   Scientific name: Botryllus leachii
6. Common name: Tunicate

   Scientific name: Brevicollus tuberatus
7. 
   Common name: Bluebell Tunicate

   Scientific name: Clavelina detorta
8. 
   Common name: Light bulb tunicate

   Scientific name: Clavelina lepadiformis
9. 
   Common name: Bluebell Tunicate

   Scientific name: Clavelina moluccensis
10. 
    Common name: Painted Tunicate

    Scientific name: Clavelina picta
11. 
    Common name: Stalked ascidian

    Scientific name: Clavelina robusta
12. Common name: Bluebell Tunicate

    Scientific name: Clavelina viola
13. Common name: Didemnum conchyliatum

    Scientific name: Didemnum conchyliatum
14. Common name: Didemnum cuculliferum

    Scientific name: Didemnum cuculliferum
15. 
    Common name: Urn Ascidian

    Scientific name: Didemnum molle
16. Common name: Distaplia corolla

    Scientific name: Distaplia corolla
17. 
    Common name: Green Barrel Sea Squirt

    Scientific name: Eudistoma gilboviride
18. Common name: Blue Velvet Sea Squirt

    Scientific name: Eudistoma reginum
19. 
    Common name: Orange Sea Squirt

    Scientific name: Eusynstyela latericius
20. Common name: Giant pink ascidian

    Scientific name: Herdmania momus
21. 
    Common name: Reticulated Leatherjacket

    Scientific name: Leptoclinides reticulatus
22. 
    Common name: Blue Encrusting Sponge

    Scientific name: Lissoclinum bistratum
23. 
    Common name: Blue Tunicate

    Scientific name: Lissoclinum patella
24. Common name: Blue Velvet Sea Squirt

    Scientific name: Lissoclinum reginum
25. 
    Common name: Lollipop Tunicate

    Scientific name: Nephtheis fascicularis
26. Common name: Perophora modificata

    Scientific name: Perophora modificata
27. Common name: Incandescent Sea Squirt

    Scientific name: Phallusia julinea
28. 
    Common name: Gold-mouth Sea Squirt

    Scientific name: Polycarpa aurata
29. 
    Common name: Giant Tunicate

    Scientific name: Polycarpa contecta
30. Common name: Polycarpa papillata

    Scientific name: Polycarpa papillata
31. 
    Common name: Inkspot Sea Squirt

    Scientific name: Polycarpa pigmentata
32. 
    Common name: White-spotted Sea Squirt

    Scientific name: Pycnoclavella diminuta
33. 
    Common name: Yellow sea squirts

    Scientific name: Pycnoclavella flava
34. 
    Common name: Blue Club Tunicate

    Scientific name: Rhopalaea crassa
35. Common name: Green-ringed Ascidian

    Scientific name: Sigillina signifera
36. Common name: Blue Velvet Sea Squirt

    Scientific name: Trididemnum pigmentatum
37. 
    Common name: Colonial Tunicate

    Scientific name: Trididemnum solidum