Physical Description
The Orange Sea Squirt, a solitary tunicate, presents a dome-shaped tunic measuring between 2 to 4 cm in length. Its translucent body exhibits hues ranging from glassy pink to pale red, with two distinct siphons prominently visible.
Habitat
Found in moderate to strong water motion areas, the Orange Sea Squirt makes its home on rocky substrates along the eastern Pacific coast. It prefers locations where water currents are sufficient to supply nutrients and facilitate feeding.
Geographical Range
From the frigid waters of Alaska to the temperate environs of Monterey Bay, the Orange Sea Squirt is distributed along the western coast of North America. Its presence in this vast region underscores its adaptability to varying environmental conditions.
What They Eat
As filter feeders, Orange Sea Squirts draw in seawater through their siphons, extracting microscopic particles of food suspended in the water column. Phytoplankton, zooplankton, and organic detritus form the primary components of their diet.
