Orange Sheath Tunicate - Botrylloides violaceus
A colonial sea squirt that often overgrows mussels, barnacles, bryozoans, and solitary sea squirts.
This species is invasive and was likely introduced to the east coast from the Pacific Northwest. I found a bunch of these little blobs on the beach during low tide. When I saw the first one, I thought it was a piece of garbage and went to pick it up. I was surprised to find it was squishy, and quickly realized that it was some sort of creature!
Habitat: Rocky intertidal habitat (brown and red algal zones)
''Botrylloides violaceus'' is a colonial ascidian. It can be known by the common name 'Orange Sheath Tunicate' among others.
Its native range is in the northwest Pacific from southern China to Japan and Siberia. Colonies attach and grow on solid substrates, and consist of individuals arranged in twisting rows. Outside its native range, it is considered an invasive species and are becoming more common in coastal waters of North America and other waters around the world, likely being spread by.. more