PORT PHILLIP BAY


Ascidian 

Polycitor giganteus (Herdman, 1899)

View scientific description and taxonomy

Scientific Details

See below for information.

Sources:
Gowlett-Holmes, K. (2008) A field guide to the marine invertebrates of South Australia. Notomares, Australia.
Edgar, G. J. (2008) Australian marine life: the plants and animals of temperate waters. New Holland Publishers, Australia.

Taxonomy

Phylum:
Chordata
Subphylum:
Tunicata
Class:
Ascidiacea
Order:
Aplousobranchia
Family:
Polycitoridae
Genus:
Polycitor
Species:
giganteus

General Description

Colony of tubular zooids embedded in a clear, gelatinous matrix. The zooids are white or orange at the tips. Colony up to 20 cm across.

Biology

The zooids can withdraw into the matrix if they are disturbed.

Habitat

Reef and rock walls as well as jetty piles, to depth of 400 m.

Reefs

Sponge gardens

Distribution guide

Southern Australia.

Species Group

Ascidians

Depth

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

Water Column

On or near sea floor

Max Size

30 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

Author

article author Patullo, B.

Blair Patullo is Online Producer for marine projects at Museum Victoria.

citation

Cite this page as:
Patullo, B., 2011, Ascidian, Polycitor giganteus, in Taxonomic Toolkit for marine life of Port Phillip Bay, Museum Victoria, accessed 20 Apr 2024, http://136.154.202.208:8098/species/10671

Text: creative commons cc by licence