Pyura gangelion (Savigny, 1816) (Tunicata: Pyuridae) from the Persian Gulf

We report the occurrence of Pyura gangelion (Savigny, 1816) from two sites in the Persian Gulf and its morphological description is also provided. This species has a wide distribution in the Indian and Pacific oceans as well as the Red Sea region. However, no record is available on its distribution in the Persian Gulf. The species is distinguished from other species by characteristics such as individuals are solitary with leathery, brownish to reddish tunic, siphons not easily visible; both siphons are in upright position with four lobes, mantle thin and covers entire body, muscle bands are denser adjacent to the siphons, oral tentacles branched with different sizes, the branchial sac is folded with six folds on each side of the body. Both internal longitudinal and transverse vessels are present, there is only one hermaphroditic gonad on the right side, endocarps, conspicuous projections into the atrium are visible in both sides, a hepatic cecum is positioned on the left side with a close connection to the branchial basket.