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ALEXANDRE MEINESZ

Red Sea Squirt

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

Beneath an overhang or along a drop-off, the Red Sea Squirt stands out through its intense scarlet colour. Motionless but active, it continually filters water brought by the current and quietly contributes to the balance of rocky seabeds.

Habitat de Red Sea Squirt Habitat
Sand, Rocky habitat, Coralligenous habitat
Profondeur de Red Sea Squirt Depth
10-50 m
Groupe biologique de Red Sea Squirt Group
Tunicate
Rôle écologique de Red Sea Squirt Role
Filter feeder

WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?

This solitary ascidian is easily recognised by its bright red colour, sometimes slightly orange. Its rounded or elongated body resembles a small bag attached to a surface.Its tunic is thick, firm and covered with small protrusions. It has two openings: an upper siphon through which water enters and another at the side through which it is released.When disturbed, it quickly contracts and expels the water inside its body.

WHERE DOES IT LIVE?

It lives attached to hard substrates such as rocks, drop-offs or walls.It is mainly found in dimly lit or shaded areas, often exposed to a moderate current that brings food.

WHAT DOES IT EAT?

It feeds by filtering seawater. Water enters through the inhalant siphon, and food particles are retained.Its diet consists of phytoplankton, bacteria and suspended organic matter.

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Other species — Tunicate

Dark Sea Squirt Conical Sea Squirt Sea Squirt Brown Colonial Sea Squirt Edwards' Sea Squirt Star Tunicate Crystalline Sea Squirt Violet Sea Squirt Colony

Same habitat and depth

Sandy seabed species Rocky seabed species Coralligenous habitat species

Same ecological role and depth

Filter-feeding species

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