Vase Tunicate

Marine species found in South Australia. Established in the gulfs – if discovered elsewhere, please report it immediately to Fishwatch 1800 065 522 or via the SA Fishing app.

Vase Tunicate is an ascidian (sea squirt) that:

• colonises infrastructure
• fouls aquaculture equipment
• increases equipment maintenance and cleaning requirements.

Exotic species under the Fisheries Management Act 2007. It may not be deposited, released or allowed to escape into any waters in South Australia without specific authorisation.

What to look for;

• soft, translucent body structure (column-like)
• usually in groups (mass of columns)
• grows up to 20 cm long
• jelly feel when out of the water – collapses under its own weight
• common on artificial structures in water.