Clavelina Robusta Yellow - Robust club tunicate Sea Squirt

Clavelina robusta, also known as the robust club tunicate, is a species of sea squirt from the family Clavelinidae. Sea squirts are sessile marine invertebrates that attach themselves to substrates in the ocean. Clavelina robusta is characterized by its small, translucent body, often with a slight blue or turquoise hue, and is usually found in clusters.

These tunicates are commonly found in shallow waters and are known for their ability to filter water, extracting plankton and other nutrients as food. The structure of Clavelina robusta is quite simple, with two siphons: one for intake and the other for expelling water, which aids in their feeding and respiration.

In terms of habitat, they prefer rocky substrates or coral reefs where there is constant water movement, which helps in the efficient capture of food particles. Clavelina robusta plays a role in the ecosystem by contributing to the nutrient cycles and serving as a food source for other marine species.

Their ability to reproduce both sexually and asexually allows them to maintain or increase their populations in favorable environmental conditions. However, they can also be susceptible to changes in water quality and temperature, which can impact their survival and distribution.