Grooved Sea Squirt

Overview

The Grooved Sea Squirt (Microcosmus sabatieri), often known as the "sea fig" or "violet," is a solitary tunicate frequently found in the Mediterranean Sea. It is highly regarded in some European culinary traditions, where it is often consumed raw for its distinct, intense iodine flavor.

Distribution & habitat

This species is primarily endemic to the Mediterranean, though it is also documented in parts of the eastern Atlantic. It typically inhabits hard substrates, such as rocky reefs, coralligenous formations, and shipwrecks, where it lives as a benthic organism.

Appearance

Resembling a large, dark, reddish-brown potato, the body of this sea squirt is encased in a tough, leathery tunic. This outer layer is often obscured by various encrusting organisms and sediments, which serve as natural camouflage. It is most easily identified by its two siphons, which feature characteristic violet or reddish-pink stripes alternating with lighter bands.

Biology & behavior

As a filter feeder, the Grooved Sea Squirt draws in seawater through one siphon and expels it through the other, using an internal branchial structure to trap microorganisms and oxygen. It is a solitary animal that often acts as an ecosystem engineer, providing a surface for other marine life to settle upon. While it is a common species in its range, it is sometimes harvested for human consumption, which can impact local population densities.