Cunjevoi
Sea Squirt
Click to enlarge image
© Australian Museum
Fast Facts
-
Classification
- Genus
- Pyura
- Species
- praeputialis
- Family
- Pyuridae
- Suborder
- Stolidobranchia
- Class
- Ascidacea
- Subphylum
- Tunicata
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Kingdom
- Animalia
-
- Size Range
- 30 cm
Introduction
The Cunjevoi is a sea squirt found around the edge of the low-tide mark that often forms mats over the rocks.
Cunjevoi
Image: Dr Isobel Bennett© Australian Museum
Identification
The Cunjevoi is sometimes covered in green or brown algae and has a tough brown exterior or 'tunic'.
Habitat
Cunjevois live on intertidal rocky shores.
Distribution
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 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.
