Ox heart ascidian (Polycarpa_aurata)

Cabilao, Oct 7, 2012.
Is a species of tunicate in the family Styelidae. Polycarpa aurata is purple and orange in colour. These tunicates possess an elementary nervous system and a protective outer layer or tunic, hence the name tunicate, composed of a type of cellulose called tunicin. It has two openings in its golden robe, hence the species name: the branchial siphon to suck the water, and the atrial siphon, located laterally to the first and at the center of the animal's body, to eject. They feed on plancton and bacteria and they are hermafrodites. Adults bind strongly to the substrate through their tunic. They can reach 10 cm.
Habitat:
Widely distributed in the Indo-Pacific, attached to the substrate or rock walls in areas with strong current.