Common name: golden sea squirt

General information

The Golden Sea Squirt, Polycarpa aurata, is a fascinating invertebrate commonly found in the Indo-Pacific region. It is known for its striking gold-colored incurrent siphon and beautiful translucent body, often adorned with purple or brownish hues. This species is a filter feeder, using its siphon to draw in water and extract plankton and other small particles for nutrition.

Care

Polycarpa aurata requires a well-established aquarium with stable water conditions and low to moderate water flow. It is essential to provide a diet rich in fine particulate organic matter, such as phytoplankton or foods designed for filter feeders. Regular water changes and efficient filtration are crucial to maintain water quality and support the health of the Golden Sea Squirt.

Reproduction

In the aquarium, Polycarpa aurata may reproduce asexually through budding, where new individuals grow from the parent organism. Sexual reproduction is less common in captivity but involves the release of eggs and sperm into the water column, where fertilization occurs externally.

Habitat

The Golden Sea Squirt is typically found attached to hard substrates in reef environments, often in areas with moderate currents that facilitate its filter-feeding behavior. They are usually seen at depths ranging from shallow waters to about 20 meters deep.

Geographically, Polycarpa aurata is distributed across the Indo-Pacific, from the Red Sea and East Africa to the central Pacific Ocean.