Common name: Painted Tunicate

General information

The Painted Tunicate, Clavelina picta, is a colorful and attractive species of colonial tunicate often found in the aquarium trade. These invertebrates are known for their translucent bodies with bright blue, white, or purple spots, which can add a unique aesthetic to any reef tank. They are filter feeders, drawing in water to extract plankton and other nutrients.

Care

Clavelina picta requires a well-established aquarium with stable water conditions and moderate to strong water flow to mimic their natural environment. They are best placed in areas with indirect lighting to prevent the growth of algae on their surfaces. It's important to ensure that they receive a steady supply of fine particulate food, as they are unable to capture larger prey.

Reproduction

These tunicates reproduce both sexually and asexually. In sexual reproduction, they release sperm and eggs into the water column, where fertilization occurs. Asexually, they can bud from the parent colony, forming new genetically identical individuals. This can lead to rapid colony expansion under optimal conditions.

Habitat

The Painted Tunicate is typically found in shallow waters of the Caribbean and the Western Atlantic, often attaching to hard substrates like rocks or dead coral. They can be found at various depths, usually not exceeding 20 meters, where they form conspicuous colonies.

In the aquarium, they can be a fascinating addition, but it's crucial to monitor their growth as they can sometimes overtake other sessile organisms if not managed properly.