Biological synopsis of the light-bulb tunicate (Clavelina lepadiformis) / by A.B. Mackenzie. : Fs97-4/2967E-PDF

"Clavelina lepadiformis, commonly known as the light-bulb tunicate, is a colonial ascidian with a native habitat from the north-eastern Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea. This species has many characteristics advantageous to successful establishment in non-native habitats, such as high growth and reproductive rates, and a wide tolerance of habitat characteristics. These traits have resulted in invasions of numerous coasts, including South Africa and the eastern United States, and have flagged the light-bulb tunicate as a possible invader of Atlantic Canadian waters. C. lepadiformis is not able to disperse over large areas naturally since they are sessile in adult form, and are short-living in larval form. Therefore, invasions are thought to be aided by human-mediated dispersal methods such as ballast water and hull fouling. Invasive ascidians with these characteristics have proven harmful to the invaded habitat regarding reduced biodiversity. This biological synopsis is intended to summarize available information on its biological characteristics, distribution, and potential impacts"--Abstract, page iv.

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