Herdmania grandis (Heller, 1878), Ascidian

General Description

A large, solitary ascidian with two circular tube-like openings (siphons). The body is white or opaque with a red line around the rims of the siphons. Up to about 20 cm long.

Biology

These ascidians are common in southern Australian waters. They rarely form groups and are usually seen as solitary individuals. They are often covered by encrusting organisms, camouflaging their bulbous bodies on reefs.

Distribution

Southern and eastern Australia.

Habitat

Reef, seagrass and sponge areas, also attached to jetty piles, to depth of 100 m.