BIOTIC Species Information for Ascidiella scabra
Researched byDr Keith Hiscock Data supplied byMarLIN
Refereed byThis information is not refereed.
Taxonomy
Scientific nameAscidiella scabra Common nameA sea squirt
MCS CodeZD85 Recent SynonymsNone
PhylumChordata SubphylumTunicata
Superclass ClassAscidiacea
Subclass OrderEnterogona
SuborderPhlebobranchiata FamilyAscidiidae
GenusAscidiella Speciesscabra
Subspecies   
Additional InformationSpecimens as large as 7.5 cm have been sampled from the Dogger Bank. Almost colourless examples can be found.
Taxonomy References Lindsay & Thompson, 1930, Berril, 1950, Millar, 1970,
General Biology
Growth formBullate / Saccate
 Feeding methodActive suspension feeder
Mobility/MovementPermanent attachment
 Environmental positionEpibenthic
Epifaunal
Epilithic
Epifloral
Epiphytic
Epizoic
Typical food typesSuspended particles including phytoplankton HabitAttached
BioturbatorNot relevant FlexibilityHigh (>45 degrees)
FragilityFragile SizeSmall-medium(3-10cm)
HeightUp to 4 cm. Growth Rate
Adult dispersal potentialNone DependencyIndependent
SociabilityGregarious
Toxic/Poisonous?No
General Biology Additional InformationAscidiella scabra is usually about 2-3 cm in length although specimens from the Dogger Bank have been recorded at 7.5 cm in length (Lindsay & Thompson, 1930)
Biology References Lindsay & Thompson, 1930,
Distribution and Habitat
Distribution in Britain & IrelandPresent all around Britain and Ireland.
Global distributionPresent from the Faeroe Islands and Trondheimfjord in the north, occurring in the Kattegat and extending into the Mediterranean.
Biogeographic rangeNot researched Depth range+2 - 300 m
MigratoryNon-migratory / Resident   
Distribution Additional Information
Substratum preferencesArtificial (e.g. metal/wood/concrete)
Bedrock
Large to very large boulders
Small boulders
Cobbles
Algae
Under boulders
Biogenic reef
 Physiographic preferencesOpen coast
Offshore seabed
Strait / sound
Sealoch
Ria / Voe
Estuary
Enclosed coast / Embayment
Biological zoneSublittoral Fringe
Upper Infralittoral
Lower Infralittoral
Upper Circalittoral
Lower Circalittoral
 Wave exposureModerately Exposed
Sheltered
Very Sheltered
Extremely Sheltered
Tidal stream strength/Water flowStrong (3-6 kn)
Moderately Strong (1-3 kn)
Weak (<1 kn)
 SalinityFull (30-40 psu)
Variable (18-40 psu)
Habitat Preferences Additional Information
Distribution References Lindsay & Thompson, 1930, Millar, 1970, NBN, 2002,
Reproduction/Life History
Reproductive type Developmental mechanism
Reproductive SeasonInsufficient information Reproductive Location
Reproductive frequencyAnnual protracted Regeneration potential No
Life span3-5 years Age at reproductive maturity<1 year
Generation time<1 year FecundityInsufficient information
Egg/propagule size Fertilization type
Larvae/Juveniles
Larval/Juvenile dispersal potential1km-10km Larval settlement period
Duration of larval stage2-10 days   
Reproduction Preferences Additional InformationLindsay & Thompson (1930) noted the great fecundity of Ascidiella scabra and that eggs were produced (in the laboratory) from March onwards. Berrill (1950) notes that the species is oviparous, that the eggs are small (0.16 mm diameter) and sink in still water. Tadpole larvae emerge from eggs.
Reproduction References Lindsay & Thompson, 1930, Berril, 1950,
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