General Description

A folded colony of vertical zooids in double rows. The siphons are positioned along the top edge of the twisted colony structure. Colour varies, including red, pink, orange and blue. Colony up to 15 cm across.

Biology

Colonies of this species start as small flattened fan shapes. As they grow and expand, the colonies fold and bend which results in the brain-like appearance.

Habitat

Reef areas including rock walls and jetty piles, to depth of 50 m.

Reefs

Sponge gardens

Distribution guide

Southern and eastern Australia.

Species Group

Ascidians

Depth

Shallow (1-30 m)
Deep ( > 30 m)

Water Column

On or near sea floor

Max Size

15 cm

Diet

Plankton or Particles

Commercial Species

No

Global Dispersal

Native to Australia

Conservation Status

• DSE Advisory List : Not listed
• EPBC Act 1999 : Not listed
• IUCN Red List : Not listed