Mottled Social Tunicate

Mottled Social Tunicate, ID Not Sure

ID Not Sure: The identification is a best guess but lacks enough confidence or supporting evidence.

Name:	Mottled Social Tunicate
Scientific Name:	Polycarpa tumida
Family:	Tunicates
Taxonomic:	Styelidae
ID Group:	Sponges, Bryozoans, Tunicates
Size:	0.5 - 0.6 in.
Depth Range:	On the reef (10 – 60 ft.)
Sightings:	Seen sometimes

Mottled Social Tunicate forms tight groups that share a common outer covering. The upper part is brown, gradually becoming lighter toward the base. The siphons are pale or lightly mottled, and the edges may show faint patterns.

This Tunicate lives on dead hard surfaces, such as old coral. It remains attached in groups and does not move.