Herdmania momus Click to enlarge image
Red-throated Ascidian, Herdmania momus Image: Jiri Lochman/Lochman Transparenc
© Jiri Lochman/Lochman Transparencies

Fast Facts

  • Classification
    Genus
    Herdmania
    Species
    momus
    Family
    Pyuridae
    Suborder
    Stolidobranchia
    Class
    Ascidiacea
    Subphylum
    Tunicata
    Phylum
    Chordata
    Kingdom
    Animalia
  • Size Range
    20 cm

Introduction

The Red-throated Ascidian is a solitary species common in Sydney's coastal waters.

Identification

The Red-throated Ascidian has a thick, white or semi-transparent outer covering, and two prominent, red-rimmed siphons that it uses to filter plankton from the water. Usually the animal is so heavily covered in algae that only the red rims of its siphons can be seen.

Habitat

The Red-throated Ascidian is found on rocky reefs to a depth of 3 m - 50 m.

Distribution


Distribution data sourced from the Atlas of Living Australia

Feeding and diet

Plankton.