Molgula ficus (Macdonald, 1859)
This species is a simple, solitary ascidian, with a tough outer covering or tunic. The body is globular in shape, measures 2-4 cm in diameter (but up to 8 cm in its native range), and attaches to the substrate at its base. The oral and atrial siphons are positioned anteriorly, relatively short in length, and possess tiny finger-like papillae around the openings. Overall, the tunic is translucent; the surface is sparsely covered with very short hairs that typically remain free of sand grains or debris. A bean-shaped kidney is located on the right side of the body, and is visible through the tunic. See Lambert 2007 for further description.
In the Northeast Pacific, Molgula ficus is most similar to other molgulid tunicates, particularly M. verrucifera Ritter and Forsyth, 1917 as well as M. pacifica (Huntsman, 1912), M. pugetiensis Herdman, 1898, and another non-native species found in the region, M. manhattensis (De Kay, 1843).
Molgula ficus has been introduced to the Northeast Pacific, with confirmed records from central and southern California (Lambert 2007). This species also has been reported from northern Chile. Its native geographical distribution remains uncertain; however, records from the Gulf of Siam, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Australia suggest western Pacific origins.