Common name: Yellow sea squirts

General information

The Yellow Encrusting Tunicate, Pycnoclavella flava, is a colorful and intriguing invertebrate that adds a touch of brightness to any reef aquarium. This species is part of the Ascidiacea class, commonly known as sea squirts or tunicates. They are known for their vibrant yellow coloration and encrusting growth form, which can create a beautiful, mat-like appearance on rocks and other surfaces in the tank.

Care

Caring for Pycnoclavella flava requires stable water conditions and moderate to strong water flow to mimic their natural habitat. They are filter feeders, so maintaining good water quality with low levels of nitrates and phosphates is crucial. They do not require additional feeding if the aquarium has a sufficient amount of dissolved organic matter, but they can benefit from the occasional addition of phytoplankton.

Reproduction

Yellow Encrusting Tunicates reproduce both sexually and asexually. In sexual reproduction, they release sperm and eggs into the water column, where fertilization occurs. The larvae then settle onto a suitable substrate and metamorphose into the adult form. Asexually, they can bud from the parent organism, which allows them to spread across the aquarium surfaces.

Habitat

Pycnoclavella flava is typically found in shallow waters of the Indo-Pacific region, often in areas with strong currents. They attach themselves to hard substrates, such as rocks or dead coral, where they can filter feed efficiently.