Polysyncraton millepore

Vasseur, P. 1969
Phylum Chordata
Class Ascidiacea
Order Aplousobranchia
Family Didemnidae
  • Colonies large thin hard incrusting sheets.
  • Star-shaped spicules with conical rays are abundant in the test adding to firm consistence of the test and the mottled appearance.
  • Colour varies from dark and light grey to mustard yellow and purple.
  • Zooids (2-3 mm long) arranged in elaborated common cloacal systems.
  • Branchial siphon short and lobed, atrial opening with tongue like languet (may be bifid) on the rim of a large opening.
  • Retractor short and from the posterior end of the thorax.
  • The branchial sac has 4 rows of stigmata each with about 8-10 stigmata.
  • Gonads over the base of the gut loop, single ova and 3-5 male follicles under 4-6 coils of sperm duct.
© 2010 Shirley Parker-Nance 2010-10-10 23-25-23_0057.JPG © 2004 Shirley Parker-Nance TIC2004-672C.JPG

References
  • Monniot, C.; Monniot, F.; Griffiths, C. and Schleyer, M. 2001 Ascidians of South Africa.108:1-141
  • Monniot, F. and Monniot, C. 1997 Ascidians collected in Tanzania.86:1-35
  • 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