Pyura spinifera Click to enlarge image
Sea Tulip, Pyura spinifera Image: Kevin Deacon
© Kevin Deacon

Fast Facts

  • Classification
    Genus
    Pyura
    Species
    spinifera
    Family
    Pyuridae
    Suborder
    Stolidobranchia
    Class
    Ascidiacea
    Subphylum
    Tunicata
    Phylum
    Chordata
    Kingdom
    Animalia
  • Size Range
    32 cm

Introduction

Growing from the rocks on a long stalk, the Sea Tulip is commonly encountered by divers around Sydney.

Identification

The Sea Tulip is covered in lumps and bumps, giving it a kind of warty appearance. It comes in a variety of colours such as orange, purple, yellow or pink. These bright colours aren't the work of the Sea Tulip but are from an encrusting sponge, Halisarca australiensis, which covers its surface.

Habitat

The Sea Tulip is found in coastal waters to a depth of 80 m.

Distribution



Feeding and diet

The Sea Tulip is sessile (unable to move around) and so waits for the currents to bring food to it. Like all sea squirts, the Sea Tulip is a filter feeder, pumping water in and out of its siphons and extracting the plankton.

Other behaviours and adaptations

Many sponges contain compounds to deter predators. In the relationship between the Sea Tulip and the encrusting sponge, the Sea Tulip gains protection from predators by using the sponge's defence, and the sponge benefits by having a surface on which to grow.