Violet Sea Squirt Colony

In Dive.Explo360: Mediterranean · Northeast Atlantic · Atlantic Ocean

On a drop-off or in a dimly lit area, the violet sea squirt colony appears as a pale cushion, sometimes with violet highlights. A close look reveals the many openings of this filter-feeding colony. It helps clean the water while enriching life on rocky seabeds.

Habitat de Violet Sea Squirt Colony Habitat
Rocky habitat
Profondeur de Violet Sea Squirt Colony Depth
25-100 m
Groupe biologique de Violet Sea Squirt Colony Group
Tunicate
Rôle écologique de Violet Sea Squirt Colony Role
Filter feeder

WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?

The violet sea squirt colony is a colonial ascidian forming a rounded or cushion-shaped mass, often slightly translucent. The colony consists of many small individuals enclosed in a shared gelatinous tunic. Its colour ranges from white to pale yellow, sometimes with violet shades. Each individual has two visible siphons at the top: one for water entry, the other for its exit, with pale circular patterns around the openings. The whole may look soft and compact, but remains relatively fragile.

WHERE DOES IT LIVE?

The violet sea squirt colony attaches to hard substrates such as rocks, drop-offs or coralligenous structures. It is generally observed in areas with currents, between around ten and a hundred metres deep, favouring the supply of food particles.

WHAT DOES IT EAT?

Like all ascidians, it feeds by filtering water. Organic particles and plankton are captured by an internal filtering system, then consumed by each individual in the colony.

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