Ciona savignyi Herdman, 1882
This species is a simple, solitary ascidian, with a thin outer covering or tunic. Overall shape is cylindrical, similar to a vase. The body measures 4-15 cm in length, and attaches to the substrate at its base. The oral and atrial siphons are positioned at the anterior end of the body, are slightly scalloped along their edges, and often ringed in yellow and orange dots. Overall, the tunic is smooth and translucent, but distinguished by numerous white or yellow pigment flecks.
In the Northeast Pacific, Ciona savignyi is most similar to another non-native species found in the region, C. intestinalis (Linnaeus, 1767).
Ciona savignyi has been introduced in the Northeast Pacific, with records ranging from British Columbia to southern California. In addition, this species has recently invaded New Zealand (Smith et al. 2010). Its native geographical range includes Japan and adjacent waters in the Northwest Pacific.