Tunicate: Colored

Polycarpa sp. (Sea Squirt / Tunicate) is a stationary, filter-feeding invertebrate that adds an unusual living rock look to a reef aquarium. Its body forms a firm, rounded shape with two visible siphons that open as it pumps water and captures suspended microfoods.

What You’ll Observe:

• Siphons opening into clear, round mouths, then closing quickly when disturbed
• Subtle inflation/deflation as it moves water through its body
• A strong preference for staying tucked into rockwork once it settles
• Periods of steady, consistent pumping followed by short resting phases

To succeed with colored tunicates, provide a mature, stable aquarium with moderate-to-strong flow that carries suspended foods past the siphons. Place it in a crevice or between rocks so it can attach securely. Offer small, water-column foods (liquid plankton and fine particulate blends) consistently to match its filter-feeding lifestyle.

Is it normal for a sea squirt to close up when I’m working in the tank?
Yes’closing the siphons is a normal response to movement or touch, and most reopen once the area is calm again.

How can I tell which opening is doing what?
You’ll usually see two siphons: one draws water in and the other expels it after filtering; the out siphon may briefly pulse as it releases water.

Can I reposition it after it attaches?
Yes’support the base and gently move it while submerged, then wedge it back into rockwork so it can settle and reattach.

Does it need to be target-fed, or is broadcast feeding fine?
Broadcast feeding works well when flow carries microfoods across it; some hobbyists also use gentle, nearby feeding to increase food density around the siphons.

Will it spread like a mat over the rocks?
Most Polycarpa-type sea squirts are solitary and grow as individual animals rather than spreading as an encrusting sheet.

Shipped with pure oxygen and temperature control so it arrives stress-free and ready to eat.