Black Tunicate
| Name: | Black Tunicate |
| Scientific Name: | Phallusia nigra |
| Family: | Tunicates |
| Taxonomic: | Ascidiidae |
| ID Group: | Sponges, Bryozoans, Tunicates |
| Size: | up to 4 in. |
| Depth Range: | On the reef (10 – 60 ft.) |
| Sightings: | Seen sometimes |
The Black Tunicate has a smooth, solid black body with two tube-like black siphons located at the top. When growing in shaded areas, such as under rock ledges, the body may appear lighter in color.
This Tunicate is usually found alone, attached to hard surfaces like rocks, ledges, or coral. It is a filter feeder, drawing water in through one siphon and expelling it through the other to capture small plankton and organic particles.