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The Nonindigenous Occurrences section of the NAS species profiles has a new structure. The section is now dynamically updated from the NAS database to ensure that it contains the most current and accurate information. Occurrences are summarized in Table 1, alphabetically by state, with years of earliest and most recent observations, and the tally and names of drainages where the species was observed. The table contains hyperlinks to collections tables of specimens based on the states, years, and drainages selected. References to specimens that were not obtained through sighting reports and personal communications are found through the hyperlink in the Table 1 caption or through the individual specimens linked in the collections tables.

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Common name: pleated sea squirt

Synonyms and Other Names: leathery tunicate, striped tunicate

Taxonomy: available through www.itis.gov

Identification: Oval; grayish or tannish-white, with red or purple stripes on the siphons.  Tunic unstalked, thick and leathery, smooth or with wrinkles.  Siphons with four lobes; brown stiped inside.  Solitary; often in large clumps of many unattached individuals (Meinkoth 1981; Kaplan 1988). 

Size: 92 mm long, 44 mm wide (Meinkoth 1981).

Native Range: North Carolina and Florida to the West Indies (Meinkoth 1981). Abundant in northern Gulf (Kaplan 1988).

Alaska	Hawaii	Puerto Rico & Virgin Islands	Guam Saipan

Hydrologic Unit Codes (HUCs) Explained
Interactive maps: Point Distribution Maps

Means of Introduction: Ballast water or ship fouling.

Status: Established in San Diego, but 30 years after its introduction it still had not become abundant (Lambert and Lambert 1995). However, now they are a dominant component of the harbor (Lambert and Lambert 1995).

Impact of Introduction: Apparently has replaced the native solitary tunicates, Pyura haustor and Ascidia ceratodes (Lambert and Lambert 1995).

Remarks: Only produces sexually, not by budding (Meinkoth 1981).

References: (click for full references)

Lambert, G., and C.C. Lambert. 1995. Nonindigenous sea squirts in California Harbors. Aquatic Nuisance Species Digest 1(2):17,20.

Meinkoth, N.A.  1981.  The Audubon Society Field Gude to North American Seashore Creatures.  Alfred A. Knopf., New York, NY.  813 pp.

Author: Fuller, P.

This information is preliminary or provisional and is subject to revision. It is being provided to meet the need for timely best science. The information has not received final approval by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and is provided on the condition that neither the USGS nor the U.S. Government shall be held liable for any damages resulting from the authorized or unauthorized use of the information.