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The Sea Tulip (Pyura spinifera) is a common species around the southern coastline of Australia. It can be found from Carnarvon in Western Australia around to the Solitary Islands Marine Park in New South Wales. It is also found in Tasmania. This species is easily recognised because of the pink or yellow encrusting sponge Halisarca australiensis that can be seen coating its surface. It is generally found on rocky reefs and is quite common in deep water sponge gardens. It is usually found in a group of stalked animals with another species of sponge encrusted ascidian (Cnemidocarpa pedata) occurring at the base. The Sea Tulip (Pyura spinifera) grows to a maximum height of approximately 35 cm.
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