Ciona intestinalis (Sea vase, Vase
tunicate)
Life > Eukaryotes > Opisthokonta > Metazoa
(animals) >
Bilateria > Deuterostomia >
Chordata > Tunicata >
Ascidiacea (sea squirts) > Phlebobranchia > Family: Cionidae
Distribution and habitat
Native to the northern Atlantic Ocean, but has
been recorded as an invader to harbours in both temperate and
tropical climates. Within South Africa, it has been recorded from
harbours ranging from Saldanha Bay to Durban. First recorded in
southern Africa in 1955 (Picker and Griffiths 2011).
Importance
Important fouling species that covers marine
structures. It is a problem in aquaculture facilities where it, for
instance, covers mussel ropes and in the process smothering and
killing the muscles (Picker and Griffiths 2011).
Publications
- Branch GM, Griffiths CL, Branch ML, Beckley LE. 2017. Two
oceans - a guide to the marine life of southern Africa (4th Edition). Penguin Random House South Africa, Cape Town.
More details...
- Monniot C, Monniot F and Griffiths CL. 2001. South African
ascidians. Annals of the South African Museum 108(1): 1-141.
- Picker M and Griffiths C. 2011. Alien and Invasive Animals -
A South African Perspective. Struik Nature, Cape Town.
Text by Hamish Robertson |