Microcosmus sabatieri

Microcosmus sabatieri
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Subphylum:	Tunicata
Class:	Ascidiacea
Family:	Pyuridae
Genus:	Microcosmus
Species:	Microcosmus sabatieri
Binomial name
Microcosmus sabatieri (Roule, 1885)

Microcosmus sabatieri is a species of tunicates (sea squirts). The species has a rocky-shape appearance. It is mainly found in the Mediterranean Sea.

It is used as food in parts of Europe, such as France and Italy, where it is known as a sea violet or sea fig.

All species of Microcosmus are edible, but it is mainly M. sabatieri which is marketed. In the Mediterranean, it is eaten raw, often with an acidic condiment such as lemon juice or vinegar with shallots. It has a strong iodine taste which not all appreciate.

Plants of the family Aizoaceae, the genus Carpobrotus, are also known as 'sea fig' in the Mediterranean.

Fishmongers in the Mediterranean also use the following names:

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