Animal Species:Cunjevoi
The Cunjevoi is a sea squirt found around the edge of the low-tide mark that often forms mats over the rocks.
Cunjevoi Pyura stolonifera
Andrew Donnelly
© Australian Museum
Alternative Name/s
Sea Squirt
Identification
The Cunjevoi is sometimes covered in green or brown algae and has a tough brown exterior or 'tunic'.
Size range
30 cm
Habitat
Cunjevois live on intertidal rocky shores.
Feeding and Diet
During high tide, the Cunjevoi feeds on plankton as water is pumped in and out of its siphons.
Other behaviours and adaptations
As the tide recedes, the Cunjevoi holds water to keep from drying out and, like all sea squirts, squirts a jet of water like a water pistol when squeezed or trodden on at low tide.
Economic/social impacts
Cunjevoi is an Aboriginal name and the animals were once a common food source for Sydney's Aboriginal people. Today, the Cunjevoi is popularly used as fishing bait. People cut the Cunjevoi, scoop out its soft insides and leave the hard tunic attached to the rock. However, the Cunjevoi is a protected species in some parts (marine reserves) of Sydney Harbour.
Classification
- Species:
- stolonifera
- Genus:
- Pyura
- Family:
- Pyuridae
- Suborder:
- Stolidobranchia
- Class:
- Ascidacea
- Subphylum:
- Tunicata
- Phylum:
- Chordata
- Kingdom:
- Animalia
Last Updated:
Tags sea squirts, tunicates, invertebrates, wildlife of sydney, identification,
