Sea Tulip

By Kellie Oldfield
22/06/00
Scientific Name – Pyura spinifera
When I first saw these things I assumed it was a pretty underwater plant, but I was mistaken. The thing I always call a ‘Sea Tulip’ is actually an animal. Pyura spinifera is easily spotted underwater as it is usually a pretty pink, purple or yellowy colour. My reference book states that the pretty colour is actually from a sponge (Halisarca australiensis), which coats the sea tulip. The Pyura spinifera can be found on many of our local dive sites, Bare Island, Oak Park, Kurnell etc. The photo included here taken at Oak Park.

This animal is designed for feeding and reproduction while fixed to the one spot. Water carries microscopic food particles into the animal where it is filtered for food. Water comes in through one opening and waste and water goes out through another.

Sea Tulips are found on exposed reef 2-80m deep. Their distribution is from Carnarvon WA to Solitary Island NSW and Deal Island in Tasmania. They can grow up to approx. 32 cm in height.

So next time you see one of these beautiful coloured Tulip looking things on the ocean floor, just remember, its not a Sea Tulip………It’s the animal Pyura spinifera.

REFERENCES
Australian Marine Life – The plants and animals of temperate waters, Graham J. Edgar, 1997, Reed Books