Shellfish
Sea squirt
Crepidula fornicata
Out of season
—
Fishing zones
Wild
Origin
3 cm
Minimum size
Description
A fairly large benthic species (its spiral shell averages 20 to 50 mm in length and 20 mm in height in adults), the sea snail is a filter-feeding mollusk that feeds on phytoplankton and suspended particles. Unique in the animal kingdom, they interlock with one another, forming colonies that easily withstand currents and most predators.
Habitat
The sea squirt lives along the coast in shallow waters, attached to rocks or large pebbles, as well as to oysters and mussels.
Distribution
Native to the Americas, it is now found primarily in the English Channel and the North Sea, but has also appeared in Galicia (Spain) and in some parts of the Mediterranean. It has also spread to the west coast of the United States and Tokyo Bay.