Identification of Ascidians (Tunicata: Ascidiacea) around Larak Island in the Persian Gulf

Abstract

Despite the variety of marine organisms recorded from the Persian Gulf, acidians located along the Persian Gulf have not received much attention. We collected Ascidian samples from four sites along Larak Island (Persian Gulf) using Scuba diving and snorkeling at a depth that ranged from 5-15 m. Taxonomic identification was carried out by authoritative keys and texts. We found 4 species that belonged to 4 genus, which included 2 solitary ascidians (Phallusia nigra and Pyura gangelion) and 2 colonial (Didemnum sp. and Distaplia sp.).

Keywords

• ascidians
• identification
• larak island
• persian gulf