Individuals live for 3 to 4 months after sexual maturity, independently of seasonal variations, and grow to a maximum size of 60 to 80 millimetres (2.4 to 3.1 in).

Recurrent colonization events and occasional shuffling among populations have determined the actual genetic structure of this species.

[1] Though the native range of S. plicata is unclear, the prevailing hypothesis is that they originated in the Northwest of the Pacific Ocean and then spread to other warm-water and tropical water bodies by ship fouling.

[1] The range of Styela plicata has greatly expanded due to its ability to hitch a ride on ships' hulls.

Styela plicata can also live in coral reef habitats, and is found from the low intertidal zone to depths of 30 metres.