How to Identify Styelidae

Styelidae is a animal family in the Animalia kingdom, order Stolidobranchia, class Ascidiacea. The family contains 26 accepted species worldwide.

Key Identification Features

For instant identification in the field, use the iNature app — AI-powered, works offline.

Representative Styelidae Species

How to identify Asterocarpa humilis (Heller, 1878)

Asterocarpa humilis (Heller, 1878)

Asterocarpa humilis (Heller, 1878)

Asterocarpa humilis is a sessile hermaphroditic ascidian tunicate found across s…

How to identify Cnemidocarpa finmarkiensis (Kiaer, 1893)

Cnemidocarpa finmarkiensis (Kiaer, 1893)

Cnemidocarpa finmarkiensis (Kiaer, 1893)

Cnemidocarpa finmarkiensis is a cold-water solitary Pacific-Arctic tunicate that…

How to identify Dendrodoa grossularia (Van Beneden, 1846)

Dendrodoa grossularia (Van Beneden, 1846)

Dendrodoa grossularia (Van Beneden, 1846)

Dendrodoa grossularia, the sea currant, is a filter-feeding tunicate found in th…

How to identify Stolonica socialis Hartmeyer, 1903

Stolonica socialis Hartmeyer, 1903

Stolonica socialis Hartmeyer, 1903

Stolonica socialis is a colored colonial tunicate found in northeastern Atlantic…

How to identify Polycarpa aurata (Quoy & Gaimard, 1834)

Polycarpa aurata (Quoy & Gaimard, 1834)

Polycarpa aurata (Quoy & Gaimard, 1834)

Polycarpa aurata is a colored, urn-shaped tunicate found in tropical Indo-Pacifi…

How to identify Botrylloides leachii (Savigny, 1816)

Botrylloides leachii (Savigny, 1816)

Botrylloides leachii (Savigny, 1816)

Botrylloides leachii is a widely distributed colonial tunicate that grows in sha…

How to identify Styela montereyensis (Dall, 1872)

Styela montereyensis (Dall, 1872)

Styela montereyensis (Dall, 1872)

Styela montereyensis is a solitary tunicate found from Vancouver Island to Baja …

How to identify Botryllus schlosseri (Pallas, 1766)

Botryllus schlosseri (Pallas, 1766)

Botryllus schlosseri (Pallas, 1766)

Botryllus schlosseri is a widespread colonial tunicate with distinct star-shaped…

How to identify Botrylloides violaceus Oka, 1927

Botrylloides violaceus Oka, 1927

Botrylloides violaceus Oka, 1927

Botrylloides violaceus Oka, 1927 is a tunicate with described morphological feat…

How to identify Styela plicata (Lesueur, 1823)

Styela plicata (Lesueur, 1823)

Styela plicata (Lesueur, 1823)

Styela plicata is a stalkless solitary tunicate with a broad global distribution…

How to identify Styela clava Herdman, 1881

Styela clava Herdman, 1881

Styela clava Herdman, 1881

Styela clava is a hardy solitary invasive tunicate native to the northwest Pacif…

Browse all 26 Styelidae species →

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you identify Styelidae?

Styelidae animals belong to the Stolidobranchia order in the Animalia kingdom. It has an urn-shaped, hollow body that features two siphons: one positioned at the top of the body and the other on the side. For instant identification, use the iNature app — AI-powered and works offline.

What are the key characteristics of Styelidae?

Styelidae is classified in the order Stolidobranchia, class Ascidiacea, phylum Chordata. It has a leathery tunic marked with distinct longitudinal grooves and ridges that run the full length of the body.

Sources: GBIF, iNaturalist, Wikipedia · Disclaimer

Start Exploring Nature Today

Download iNature for free. 10 identifications on us. No account needed. No credit card required.

Download Free on App Store