Urochordate Collection

Detail of sea squirt
Detail of branching inside a sea squirt. Photographed on reef off Halmahera, Maluku Islands, Indonesia

Ink-spot sea squirt and a crinoid
Ink-spot sea squirt (Polycarpa aurata, blue) and a crinoid (right) amongst coral. Sea squirts are sessile barrel-shaped animals that feed by filtering plankton from the water

Ink-spot sea squirt (Polycarpa aurata) amongst coral. Sea squirts are sessile barrel-shaped animals that feed by filtering plankton from the water

Hingebeak shrimp on a seasquirt
Hingebeak shrimp (Rhynchocinetes durbanensis) on an ink-spot sea squirt (Polycarpa aurata) on a reef. Photographed off Rinca island, Komodo National Park, Indonesia

Starfish and sea squirts on a reef. Fromia nodosa starfish with sea squirts, soft corals and sponges on a reef. Photographed off Rinca island, Komodo National Park, Indonesia

Seahorse and sea squirts
Seahorse with sea squirts. Seahorse (Hippocampus sp.) with stalked green ascidians, or grape tunicates, (Oxycorynia fascicularis) on a reef

Soft coral and sea squirts

Ink-spot sea squirts and featherstar
Ink-spot sea squirts (Polycarpa aurata, purple and yellow) and featherstar on a reef. Sea squirts, or tunicates, are sessile barrel-shaped animals that feed by filtering plankton from the water

Ink-spot sea squirts (Polycarpa aurata, yellow and purple) on a reef. Sea squirts, or tunicates, are sessile barrel-shaped animals that feed by filtering plankton from the water

Sea squirts. Atriolum robustum (left) and Clavelina sp. (right) tunicates on a reef. Sea squirts, or tunicates, are sessile animals that feed by filtering plankton from the water

All Professionally Made to Order for Quick Shipping

Urochordate, also known as sea squirts, are fascinating marine creatures that come in various shapes and colors. Take a closer look at these intriguing organisms to uncover their hidden beauty. In this captivating image, we can observe the intricate details of a urochordate or sea squirt. Its vibrant body resembles an ink-spot, with mesmerizing patterns that seem to dance across its surface. Another striking sight is the symbiotic relationship between an ink-spot sea squirt and a crinoid. The sea squirt provides shelter for the crinoid while benefiting from its constant movement that helps filter food particles from the water. A hingebeak shrimp perched on top of a seasquirt catches our attention next. This peculiar interaction showcases how different species coexist in harmony within their underwater habitat. The repetition of such encounters emphasizes the significance of these interactions. Three hingebeak shrimps gracefully resting on separate sea squirts demonstrate the interconnectedness found within marine ecosystems. Moving away from crustaceans, we encounter starfish alongside clusters of sea squirts adorning a vibrant reef ecosystem. These colorful organisms create an enchanting scene beneath the waves, showcasing nature's artistry at its finest. Seahorses are not immune to the allure of urochordates either. Here we witness seahorses blending seamlessly among patches of sea squirts – perhaps seeking refuge or simply enjoying their company amidst swaying currents. Sea squirts themselves deserve admiration too; they exhibit diverse forms and hues ranging from delicate pastels to vivid neons. Their unique structures add character to coral reefs and rocky seabeds alike, making them vital components in maintaining biodiversity underwater. Once again, we find ourselves captivated by seahorses surrounded by clusters of vibrant sea squirts – proof that even these graceful creatures appreciate nature's kaleidoscope below the surface. Soft corals intertwine with groups of sea squirts along oceanic ridges, creating a mesmerizing tapestry of life.