Star Tunicate

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

In harbours, on pontoons or rocks, the star tunicate often catches the eye with its star-shaped patterns in varied colours. This living colony continuously filters water and can spread quickly, forming true underwater mosaics.

Habitat de Star Tunicate Habitat
Rocky habitat
Profondeur de Star Tunicate Depth
5-100 m
Groupe biologique de Star Tunicate Group
Tunicate
Rôle écologique de Star Tunicate Role
Filter feeder

WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?

The star tunicate is a colonial sea squirt that forms thin sheets on its supporting surface, rather like a small living carpet.The colony consists of many microscopic individuals called zooids, arranged in rosettes that form star-shaped patterns. Each rosette shares a central opening.Its colour is highly variable: yellow, orange, purple, brown or almost black, often with a visible contrast between the centres of the rosettes and the zooids.

WHERE DOES IT LIVE?

The star tunicate lives attached to solid surfaces such as rocks, shells, algae or artificial structures such as pontoons and boat hulls.It is mainly found in coastal areas, particularly sheltered environments such as harbours, coastal lagoons or shallow areas.It grows particularly well in particle-rich water, which suits its feeding method.

WHAT DOES IT EAT?

The star tunicate feeds by filtering seawater.Each zooid draws in water and captures microscopic particles such as phytoplankton, bacteria and suspended organic matter.The filtered water is then expelled through a shared opening at the centre of each rosette.

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