#botrylloides violaceus

[vesper-tinus]

Chain Tunicate (Botrylloides violaceus), washed up on shore.

[vesper-tinus]

May I interest you in a Chain Tunicate? (Botrylloides violaceus)

[astronomy-to-zoology]

Botrylloides violaceus

...is a species of colonial Botryllid tunicate which occurs in the northwest Pacific, ranging from southern China to Japan and Siberia. Colonies of Botrylloides violaceus will establish themselves on solid surfaces and substrates, and will consist of individuals arranged in "twisted rows". Like other tunicates B. violaceus colonies are filter feeders. 

Classification

Animalia-Chordata-Tunicata-Ascidiacea-Pleurogona-Botryllidae-Botrylloides-B. violaceus

Image: Dann Blackwood