Common name: Sea Squirts

Ascidiacea, commonly known as sea squirts, are fascinating marine invertebrates belonging to the subphylum Tunicata. They are named for their ability to squirt water when disturbed, a defensive mechanism that surprises potential predators. Sea squirts are sessile animals, meaning they are permanently attached to a substrate, such as rocks, shells, or the hulls of ships. This sedentary lifestyle makes them a unique addition to marine aquariums, particularly invertebrate-focused or biotope tanks.

Sea squirts have a sac-like body structure with two siphons: an incurrent and an excurrent siphon. They draw water in through the incurrent siphon, filter out plankton and other small particles for food, and expel the filtered water through the excurrent siphon. This filter-feeding process is not only interesting to observe but also beneficial to the aquarium environment as it helps maintain water quality by removing excess nutrients.

Aesthetically, sea squirts can add a splash of color and diversity to an aquarium. They come in various shapes, sizes, and vibrant colors, ranging from bright yellows and oranges to deep purples and blues. However, their care requires careful attention to water quality and flow, as they are sensitive to changes in their environment. It's essential to provide a stable environment with adequate flow to ensure their health and longevity.

While sea squirts are not commonly kept in home aquariums due to their specific care requirements, they can be an intriguing subject for advanced hobbyists interested in marine biology and ecosystem dynamics. Their presence can also encourage the growth of beneficial microfauna, contributing to the overall biodiversity of the tank.

1. Common name: Crater Sea Squirt

   Scientific name: Aplidium crateriferum
2. Common name: Tabasco Tunicate

   Scientific name: Aplidium tabascum
3. 
   Common name: dirty sea-squirt

   Scientific name: Ascidiella aspersa
4. 
   Common name: Robust sea squirt

   Scientific name: Atriolum robustum
5. Common name: Leach's compound ascidian

   Scientific name: Botryllus leachii
6. Common name: Tunicate

   Scientific name: Brevicollus tuberatus
7. 
   Common name: Bluebell Tunicate

   Scientific name: Clavelina detorta
8. 
   Common name: Light bulb tunicate

   Scientific name: Clavelina lepadiformis
9. 
   Common name: Bluebell Tunicate

   Scientific name: Clavelina moluccensis
10. 
    Common name: Painted Tunicate

    Scientific name: Clavelina picta
11. 
    Common name: Stalked ascidian

    Scientific name: Clavelina robusta
12. Common name: Bluebell Tunicate

    Scientific name: Clavelina viola
13. Common name: Didemnum conchyliatum

    Scientific name: Didemnum conchyliatum
14. Common name: Didemnum cuculliferum

    Scientific name: Didemnum cuculliferum
15. 
    Common name: Urn Ascidian

    Scientific name: Didemnum molle
16. Common name: Distaplia corolla

    Scientific name: Distaplia corolla
17. 
    Common name: Green Barrel Sea Squirt

    Scientific name: Eudistoma gilboviride
18. Common name: Blue Velvet Sea Squirt

    Scientific name: Eudistoma reginum
19. 
    Common name: Orange Sea Squirt

    Scientific name: Eusynstyela latericius
20. Common name: Giant pink ascidian

    Scientific name: Herdmania momus
21. 
    Common name: Reticulated Leatherjacket

    Scientific name: Leptoclinides reticulatus
22. 
    Common name: Blue Encrusting Sponge

    Scientific name: Lissoclinum bistratum
23. 
    Common name: Blue Tunicate

    Scientific name: Lissoclinum patella
24. Common name: Blue Velvet Sea Squirt

    Scientific name: Lissoclinum reginum
25. 
    Common name: Lollipop Tunicate

    Scientific name: Nephtheis fascicularis
26. Common name: Perophora modificata

    Scientific name: Perophora modificata
27. Common name: Incandescent Sea Squirt

    Scientific name: Phallusia julinea
28. 
    Common name: Gold-mouth Sea Squirt

    Scientific name: Polycarpa aurata
29. 
    Common name: Giant Tunicate

    Scientific name: Polycarpa contecta
30. Common name: Polycarpa papillata

    Scientific name: Polycarpa papillata
31. 
    Common name: Inkspot Sea Squirt

    Scientific name: Polycarpa pigmentata
32. 
    Common name: White-spotted Sea Squirt

    Scientific name: Pycnoclavella diminuta
33. 
    Common name: Yellow sea squirts

    Scientific name: Pycnoclavella flava
34. 
    Common name: Blue Club Tunicate

    Scientific name: Rhopalaea crassa
35. Common name: Green-ringed Ascidian

    Scientific name: Sigillina signifera
36. Common name: Blue Velvet Sea Squirt

    Scientific name: Trididemnum pigmentatum
37. 
    Common name: Colonial Tunicate

    Scientific name: Trididemnum solidum