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biodiversity explorer

the web of life in southern Africa

Family: Pyuridae

Life > Eukaryotes > Opisthokonta > Metazoa (animals) > Bilateria > Deuterostomia > Chordata > Tunicata > Ascidiacea (sea squirts) > Stolidobranchia

Seventeen genera and 246 species worldwide, with six genera and 16 species native to southern African seas, and a further species that is naturalised in the region.

Genera native to southern Africa

Information from Monniot et al. (2001) and World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS).

Boltenia

A total of 10 species worldwide, with one species, Boltenia africana, native to southern African seas.

 

Halocynthia

A total of 15 species worldwide, with one species, Halocynthia spinosa, native to southern African seas.

 

Hartmeyeria

A total of nine species worldwide, with three species native to southern African seas.

 

Herdmania

A total of 17 species worldwide, with one species, Herdmania momus, native to southern African seas.

 

Microcosmus

A total of 37 species worldwide, with five species native to southern African seas and a further species that is naturalised in the region. 

 

Pyura

A total of 98 species worldwide, with five species native to southern African seas.

Publications

  • Monniot C, Monniot F and Griffiths CL. 2001. South African ascidians. Annals of the South African Museum 108(1): 1-141.

Text by Hamish Robertson