Description: Colonies consist of large numbers of small transparent zooids connected by basal stolons. The branchial sac, orange-brown stomach and chains of grey faecal pellets can all be seen inside the zooid when it is alive. 5mm x 4mm x 2mm.

Habitat: Found in sheltered places from lower shore to 30m growing on a variety of substrata, especially on hydroids and bryozoans, even on crabs such as Hyas araneus.

Distribution: West coasts of the British Isles south to the Mediterranean.

Similar Species: There is no other common small ascidian in the British Isles with separate zooids connected by a stolon. See also Protostyela heterobranchia - description in Millar. Could be confused with the non-native Perophora japonica.

Key Identification Features:

• Small separate zooids connected by stolon.
• Transparent test and body.

Distribution Map from NBN: Perophora listeri at National Biodiversity Network mapping facility, data for UK.

iNaturalist: Perophora listeri at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.

GBIF data for Perophora listeri

WoRMS: Perophora listeri at World Register of Marine Species. Accepted name: Perophora listeri Wiegman, 1835. AphiaID: 103759.

Classification: Biota; Animalia; Chordata; Tunicata; Ascidiacea; Phlebobranchia; Perophoridae; Perophora