Family
Common name: Stolidobranch ascidians
Scientific name: Styelidae
Styelidae, commonly known as stolidobranch ascidians or sea squirts, is a family of sessile marine invertebrates within the class Ascidiacea. Members of this family are filter feeders, using siphons to draw in water and extract plankton and other nutrients. They are encased in a tough outer tunic, which is often transparent or translucent. Styelidae species can be solitary or colonial and are found in a variety of marine environments, from shallow waters to the deep sea. They play a role in the reef ecosystem by filtering water and can be indicators of environmental health. In the aquarium, they require stable water conditions and can be sensitive to changes in water quality.
- Common name: Leach's compound ascidianScientific name: Botryllus leachii
- Common name: Orange Sea SquirtScientific name: Eusynstyela latericius
- Common name: Gold-mouth Sea SquirtScientific name: Polycarpa aurata
- Common name: Giant TunicateScientific name: Polycarpa contecta
- Common name: Polycarpa papillataScientific name: Polycarpa papillata
- Common name: Inkspot Sea SquirtScientific name: Polycarpa pigmentata