Sycozoa arborescens multiplefan

Hartmeyer, R 1912
Phylum Chordata
Class Ascidiacea
Order Aplousobranchia
Family Holozoidae
  • This species currently present specimens consisting of single and elaborate compound lobes connected by a common base.
  • Laterally flattened fan-shaped head (2-3 cm) carried on a long slender stalk (2-4 cm).
  • Zooids are arranged in double rows on either side of a common cloacal channel opening on the rim of the head.
  • Colonies are cream, orange, brown, brilliant white or bright blue in colour.
  • Zooids (1-2 mm in length) with short branchial, and slightly longer atrial siphon or atrial opening with a wide anterior lip.
  • The branchial sac has 4 rows of stigmata with 12-14 stigmata per row.
  • Male and female gonads mature at different times.
  • The male gonad consist of 4 to 6 testes follicles at the base of the intestinal loop.
  • A brood pouch to contain the developing larvae.
© 2010 Shirley Parker-Nance 2010-10-10 23-19-32_0041.JPG

References
  • Hartmeyer, R 1912 Die Ascidien der deutschen Tiefsee-Expedition.16:225-392
  • Millar, R. H. 1962 Further descriptions of South African ascidians56:113-221
  • Monniot, C.; Monniot, F.; Griffiths, C. and Schleyer, M. 2001 Ascidians of South Africa.108:1-141
  • Shenkar, N.; Gittenberger, A.; Ruis, M.; Rocha, R. M.; Swalla, B.; et al. 2017 Ascidiacea World Database. Atriolum marinense Kott, 2001. Accessed through: World Register of Marine Species at: http://www.marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=250052 on 2019-03-12