Giant Tunicate
| Name: | Giant Tunicate |
| Scientific Name: | Polycarpa spongiabilis |
| Family: | Tunicates |
| Taxonomic: | Styelidae |
| ID Group: | Sponges, Bryozoans, Tunicates |
| Size: | up to 4 in. |
| Depth Range: | On the reef (10 – 60 ft.) |
| Sightings: | Seen sometimes |
The Giant Tunicate has a thick, rounded, soft body, typically tan or brown. It has two large siphons on its upper surface. The incurrent siphon is the larger of the two and contains a ring of hair-like tentacles. The outer surface is often covered with sand, shells, and algae, which can give it a greenish or brownish appearance and help it blend in with its surroundings.
This Tunicate is often found attached to rocks or corals, camouflaged with algae. It is a filter feeder, drawing water through its body to strain out tiny food particles like plankton.