First Record of Synoicum clavatum (Ascidiacea: Aplousobranchia: Polyclinidae) from Korea

Abstract

A colonial ascidian, Synoicum clavatum has previously been reported from Japan. Here, we provide detailed descriptions and illustrations of S. clavatum as the first record in Korea. Synoicum clavatum is characterized by clubshaped colonies with oval head and elongate stalk, circular cloacal systems, a branchial sac with 14-16 stigmata rows of 10-17 stigmata per row and a stomach with smooth surface. The specimens of S. clavatum were collected in the subtidal zone (15-25 m depth) at Beomseom and Mumseom in Jeju-do while SCUBA diving from 2000 to 2014.

Keywords

• taxonomy
• Ascidian
• Polyclinidae
• Synoicum clavatum
• Korean waters