78 — Asian sea squirt, Styela clava

Styela clava Herdman, 1881 is a sea squirt (ascidian), which has now become established in New Zealand waters. It is believed to have originated on the asian Pacific coast, but is now widespread as a result of hull fouling.

They are about 80 mm in size and not particularly attractive. The ecological concerns regarding S. clava are similar to those of the mediterranean fanworm, in that they could out compete local species.

Styela clava, under Ngapipi Bridge,
Tamaki Drive, Auckland, 2016.

Styela clava, with a colony of athecate hydroids.
Under Ngapipi Bridge, Tamaki Drive,
Auckland, 2016.

Styela clava, under Ngapipi Bridge,
Tamaki Drive, Auckland, 2016.

More info:

http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/page-1722

http://www.iucngisd.org/gisd/species.php?sc=951

http://www.marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=103929