Description: A colonial ascidian consisting of groups of very flat-topped lobes closely pressed together, with sand coated sides. The upper surface is clean, and brown in colour. 5mm thick x 10mm diameter.

Habitat: Apparently a species usually found in the circalittoral, often in sand-scoured sites.

Distribution: Reported to be a northern form in the British Isles, rarely recorded.

Similar Species: The name used here for this species is somewhat doubtful, but it is a distinctive entity.

Key Identification Features:

• Brown, flattened lobes, closely pressed together.
• Sand coated sides, producing honeycomb effect.
• Internal anatomy.

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

iNaturalist: Aplidium glabrum at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.

WoRMS: Aplidium glabrum at World Register of Marine Species. Accepted name: Aplidium glabrum (Verrill, 1871). AphiaID: 103647.

Classification: Biota; Animalia; Chordata; Tunicata; Ascidiacea; Aplousobranchia; Polyclinidae; Aplidium