Habitat 
Depth 
Group 
Role WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?
The violet sea squirt is a solitary ascidian with a thick tunic, the outer body covering. Its irregular bag shape is often hidden by attached algae and animals. The siphons, the water inlet and outlet, bear reddish-purple stripes alternating with pale bands.
Contraction closes the openings and reduces the outline. Its French name, “violet”, refers notably to siphon markings rather than a uniformly purple body.
WHERE DOES IT LIVE?
It attaches to hard French Mediterranean surfaces, including rock and coralligenous formations, relief built partly by calcifying algae. Artificial surfaces may also be used.
Depth and surroundings influence the community on its tunic. Algae can grow in lit areas; elsewhere, sponges, bryozoans or attached worms contribute to the covering.
WHAT DOES IT EAT?
Water enters through the inhalant siphon and crosses the branchial filter. Retained food particles are transferred to the digestive tract. Filtered water leaves through the exhalant siphon.
Food can include microalgae and other suspended organic particles.
GO FURTHER WITH AMIGANSEAU
Unlock the full profile
Deepen your knowledge with the exclusive chapters and interactive resources included in an AMIGANSEAU licence.
- HOW DOES IT REPRODUCE?
- OUR OBSERVATIONS
- ARTICLE
Also included in the full profile
- Advanced navigation between description, ecological context, observations and behaviour
- Interactive food chain to explore the species’ feeding relationships
