Clavelina moluccensis


Clavelina moluccensis, common name bluebell tunicate, blue bell tunicate, or blue sea squirt
is a species of tunicate, in the genus Clavelina. Like all ascidians, these sessile animals are filter feeders.

Description

This species is 0.5-2.5 cm long, and light to medium blue in colour. The top of the zooids contain characteristic dark blue patches and spots that are always visible.

Distribution

This species is found in the waters around Australia, Western Pacific, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Mariana Islands, Philippines, Singapore, and Malaysia.

Habitat

This species grows in clusters attached to dead coral or other hard substrates, normally under overhangs.