Habitat: On mangrove roots, coral reefs and artificial substrates. Distribution: Canada, USA (Maine to South Carolina and California), Panama, Florida, Bermuda, many Caribbean islands, Brazil, Atlantic coast of Africa and Europe, Australia. Natural History Notes: Alcohol extract from the body of Styela canopus exhibits anti-Hepatitis-B properties. Depth: 0.5-6.0 m Characteristics: Individuals (2.0-4.0 cm long) often form crowded groups. The tunic is brownish and wrinkled and siphons are usually striped. There are four branchial folds on each side, a stomach with folds, many endocarps internally on the body wall and two gonads formed by an elongated ovary with the testis follicles on either side. There are usually 2 gonads on the left side and 2-5 on the right side in Bocas populations, which is not usual for this species. Notes: The number of gonads in the right side of the body (more than two) may indicate a different species cryptic with Styela canopus.