Halocynthia aurantium

Halocynthia aurantium
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Subphylum:	Tunicata
Class:	Ascidiacea
Order:	Stolidobranchia
Family:	Pyuridae
Genus:	Halocynthia
Species:	H. aurantium
Binomial name
Halocynthia aurantium Pallas, 1787[1]

Halocynthia aurantium, or sea peaches, are a species in the order Stolidobranchia, making them a sub-classification of tunicates. Sea peaches are commonly found in the northern Pacific ocean, ranging from the Arctic Sea south to Puget Sound, and most common in the Bering Sea at a depth of 40 to 100 metres. The sea peach is typically barrel shaped, growing to a height of 18 centimetres, and its body is attached directly to the substrate. It is usually red or orange with a smooth or wrinkled tunic. There are two siphons at the top.^[2] The sea peach is preyed upon by crabs and sea stars.^[3]

References

1. Halocynthia aurantium - (Pallas, 1787) World Register of Marine Species. Retrieved 2011-11-12.
2. Halocynthia aurantium ZipCodeZoo. Retrieved 2011-11-12.
3. "The Alaska Fisheries Science Center: Sea Peach". Retrieved 2007-12-10.