Encrusting Social Tunicate

Symplegma viride

Symplegma viride is a species of ascidian tunicate characterized by its sessile nature, often forming encrusting colonies on various substrates. These tunicates can typically be found in tropical waters, inhabiting depths ranging from 0 to 32 meters. They are cosmopolitan in distribution, meaning they can be found in a variety of marine environments around the world. Divers may encounter them on rocky reefs, coral reefs, or other hard substrates, where they may blend in with their surroundings due to their encrusting habit. As filter-feeders, these tunicates consume small particles from the water column, including plankton and organic matter. Their feeding mechanism involves siphoning water through their bodies, extracting food, and expelling the filtered water. The life cycle of Symplegma viride includes a hermaphroditic reproductive strategy, allowing for both cross- and self-fertilization. The eggs develop into lecithotrophic larvae before they undergo metamorphosis into benthic adults, establishing new colonies. Diving encounters with these tunicates can be intriguing, as they often form large, colorful patches on the seafloor or on vertical surfaces. Their colonies may vary in size and shape, making them an interesting subject for underwater photography. The conservation status of Symplegma viride has not been evaluated, indicating a lack of specific data regarding its population trends.