Polycarpa rubida

Polycarpa rubida (Sluiter, 1898)

(Figures 30 B, 32A,B)

Styela (Polycarpa) rubida Sluiter, 1898: 53 pl.7 fig.1–4, Mozambique.

Polycarpa rubida: Monniot & al 2001: 96 fig. 47B and synonymy, Natal.

Station. TA 52 (MNHN S1 POL.B 563).

A group of about 10 individuals more or less isolated are entirely covered with epibionts (Fig. 30 B). P. rubida looks like a colonial species but no obvious links appear. The basal part of the individuals is sometimes elongated in a kind of filled peduncle giving a characteristic aspect to this species. In formalin, below the cover of varied organisms, the tunic is ochre with deep furrows. The body wall is thick. The oral siphon has a long velum. About 30 tight oral tentacles alternate with smaller ones. The dorsal tubercle is simple. The 4 branchial folds are low (Fig.32 B). For a 2cm large specimen the branchial formula on the right side is: E-1- 7 -2- 9 -2- 9 -2- 8 -2-DL. The stigmata rows are sometimes irregularly cut by parastigmatic vessels. The gut loop is simple located posteriorly (Fig.32 A). The long stomach has either marked or almost absent folds according to the individuals. The anus is lobed. Numerous endocarps are spread on the whole body wall (Fig. 32 A). An average of 10 elongated polycarps lie on each body side. The internal side of the atrial siphon is covered with thread-like papillae.

P. rubida is recorded from Natal to Mozambique where it has been reported several times.