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This solitary species is common on the Pacific coast of Central America and has two different colors for its tunic: pink and blue.
Tokioka (1971) describes this species as solitary, but scientists have observed that the blue individuals were connected to each other under the substrate.
The pink individuals were significantly more common.
Rhopalaea birkelandi has two body parts separated by a thin and fragile stalk.
This, together with the tunic growing into the rock, can cause both parts to separate during the collection and preparation process.
The tunic around the siphons releases acid (pH ⩽2) when slightly injured.
This sea squirt contains vanadocytes, which can accumulate and store vanadium, actually a metabolic toxin.
Tokioka (1971) describes this species as solitary, but scientists have observed that the blue individuals were connected to each other under the substrate.
The pink individuals were significantly more common.
Rhopalaea birkelandi has two body parts separated by a thin and fragile stalk.
This, together with the tunic growing into the rock, can cause both parts to separate during the collection and preparation process.
The tunic around the siphons releases acid (pH ⩽2) when slightly injured.
This sea squirt contains vanadocytes, which can accumulate and store vanadium, actually a metabolic toxin.
