Common name: Blue Club Tunicate

General information

Rhopalaea crassa is a species of tunicate, commonly known as a sea squirt, that belongs to the family Rhopalaeidae. These invertebrates are notable for their robust, leathery texture and are often found in a variety of colors, including shades of brown, red, and purple. They are sessile animals, meaning they are fixed in one place and do not move around.

Care

Caring for Rhopalaea crassa in a reef aquarium requires stable water conditions and moderate to low water flow. They are filter feeders, so ensuring the water is rich in dissolved organics and fine particulate matter is crucial for their nutrition. They do not require additional feeding if the aquarium has a well-established biological system.

Reproduction

Rhopalaea crassa reproduces both sexually and asexually. In the aquarium, they may propagate through budding, where new individuals grow from the parent organism. This can be an advantage for hobbyists looking to cultivate these tunicates in their tanks.

Symbiosis

While Rhopalaea crassa does not engage in the more well-known forms of symbiosis, like those seen in clownfish and anemones, they do play a role in the reef ecosystem by filtering water and potentially providing a substrate for other marine organisms.

Habitat

Rhopalaea crassa is typically found in the Indo-Pacific region, attached to hard substrates in reef environments. They can be found at various depths, often in areas with moderate light that supports the growth of microorganisms they feed on.