Claveline Naine Aux Siphons Jaunes

Overview

Pycnoclavella nana is a small colonial tunicate, often referred to as the "midget sea squirt." It is a social ascidian characterized by its delicate, stalked individuals that form colonies connected by a basal stolon.

Distribution & habitat

This species is primarily found in the western Mediterranean Sea and adjacent areas of the northeastern Atlantic. It typically inhabits shallow rocky coastal environments, often settling on rocks or other fixed organisms, and can be found at the base of Posidonia seagrass meadows.

Appearance

Each individual, or zooid, is small and partially transparent, often appearing white, yellowish, or orange. A distinctive feature is the presence of yellow or greenish-yellow rings around the tips of its two siphons. The colonies are generally less dense than those of related species, with individuals reaching up to 13 mm in height.

Biology & behavior

As a filter feeder, this tunicate extracts food particles from the water column. Like many other ascidians, it is capable of retracting its body when environmental conditions become unfavorable, such as during periods of food scarcity or high water temperatures. It is known to be a prey item for certain marine flatworms, such as Prostheceraeus roseus.