Common name: Light bulb tunicate

General information

The Light Bulb Sea Squirt, Clavelina lepadiformis, is a colonial tunicate commonly found in the aquarium trade due to its unique and attractive appearance. These invertebrates are characterized by their translucent bodies with an inner structure that resembles a light bulb, hence the name. They are filter feeders, drawing in water to extract plankton and other nutrients.

Care

Light Bulb Sea Squirts are relatively easy to care for in a well-established reef aquarium. They require moderate to strong water flow to facilitate their filter-feeding habits and benefit from the presence of fine particulate organic matter in the water. It's important to maintain high water quality and stable conditions to support their health.

Reproduction

Clavelina lepadiformis reproduces both sexually and asexually. In sexual reproduction, they release eggs and sperm into the water column, where fertilization occurs. Asexually, they can bud from the colony, forming new individuals that remain attached, thus expanding the colony size over time.

Symbiosis

While not known for any specific symbiotic relationships, Light Bulb Sea Squirts can contribute to the overall health of the reef tank by filtering water and removing excess nutrients.

Habitat

This species is typically found in shallow waters, often attached to hard substrates such as rocks or the hulls of ships. They are distributed across the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic coasts of Europe, favoring areas with moderate to strong currents.