Animal Species:Red-throated Ascidian
The Red-throated Ascidian is a solitary species common in Sydney's coastal waters.
Red-throated Ascidian
Jiri Lochman/Lochman Transparencies
© Jiri Lochman/Lochman Transparencies
Identification
The Red-throated Ascidian has a thick, white or semi-transparent outer covering, and two prominent, red-rimmed siphons that it uses to filter plankton from the water. Usually the animal is so heavily covered in algae that only the red rims of its siphons can be seen.
Size range
20 cm
Habitat
The Red-throated Ascidian is found on rocky reefs to a depth of 3 m - 50 m.
Feeding and Diet
Plankton.
Classification
- Species:
- momus
- Genus:
- Herdmania
- Family:
- Pyuridae
- Suborder:
- Stolidobranchia
- Class:
- Ascidiacea
- Subphylum:
- Tunicata
- Phylum:
- Chordata
- Kingdom:
- Animalia
Last Updated:
Tags sea squirts, ascidians, tunicates, invertebrates, wildlife of sydney, identification,