Cnemidocarpa mollispina
Local name: ankarsjöpung
Cnemidocarpa mollispina, commonly known as ankarsjöpung, is a solitary sea squirt (tunicate) characterized by its soft, translucent body covered in small, flexible spines that give it a distinctive fuzzy appearance. This filter-feeding marine invertebrate plays a crucial role in benthic ecosystems by processing large volumes of seawater and serving as both predator of planktonic organisms and prey for various fish and crustaceans.
3
Countries
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Ascidiacea
Order
Stolidobranchia
Family
Styelidae
Genus
Cnemidocarpa
Cnemidocarpa mollispina belongs to the family Styelidae, order Stolidobranchia, within the Ascidiacea class.
Species Profile
Cnemidocarpa mollispina, commonly known as ankarsjöpung, is a solitary sea squirt (tunicate) characterized by its soft, translucent body covered in small, flexible spines that give it a distinctive fuzzy appearance. This filter-feeding marine invertebrate plays a crucial role in benthic ecosystems by processing large volumes of seawater and serving as both predator of planktonic organisms and prey for various fish and crustaceans.
Cnemidocarpa mollispina faces significant threats from coastal development and marine pollution in its shallow water habitats. Climate change-induced ocean warming and acidification pose additional risks to this tunicate species, while physical disturbance from fishing activities and boat anchoring can damage the seafloor communities where it resides.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
This tunicate species inhabits shallow marine waters, typically found attached to hard substrates such as rocks, shells, and artificial structures in coastal environments. It occurs in subtidal zones where it filters nutrients from the water column as part of benthic communities.
Threats
Coastal development and habitat destruction
Marine pollution and water quality degradation
Climate change and ocean acidification
Invasive species competition
Physical disturbance from fishing and boating activities
Found in 3 Countries
Community Sightings
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Sources & Attribution
How to Cite
IUCN: IUCN (2025). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2025-1. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2025-1.RLTS
GBIF: GBIF.org (2025). GBIF Home Page. Available at: https://www.gbif.org
This page: SpeciesRadar (2025). Cnemidocarpa mollispina (Cnemidocarpa mollispina). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/ankarsjopung