The ascidian B. violaceus was found growing on a mussel at the Richmond Marina in San Francisco Bay.  This specimen was identified by Gretchen Lambert, and photographed by Luis A. Solorzano.

Close up of B. violaceus that is a different color than the one above.  It was found growing on a boat dock at the Richmond Marina in San Francisco Bay.  This specimen was identified by Gretchen Lambert, and photographed by Luis A. Solorzano.

Larva of the ascidian B. violaceus.  This specimen was identified by Gretchen Lambert, and photographed by Leslie H. Harris of the Natural History Museum Los Angeles County.

Close up of the larva of the ascidian B. violaceus.  This specimen was identified by Gretchen Lambert, and photographed by Leslie H. Harris of the Natural History Museum Los Angeles County.