U-1880 SANDY SEA SQUIRT, Molgula occidentalis
The laboratory sea squirt, is the largest of all Molgula species, and is therefore more suitable for dissection. The test is thin and leathery from the sand and mud embedded in it, but the animal can be easily removed by splitting the test between the siphons. Gonads are then visible with distinct, viable, large eggs and sperm. Gravid year round. Size: 3-5 cm.
VIDEOS
ADDITIONAL READING
Evolutionary loss of melanogenesis in the tunicate Molgula occulta