Objective To establish the HPLC fingerprints for the guality control of ascidian Styela plicata.Methods The HPLC fingerprints of ten batches of samples were obtained using ZORBAX Bonus-RP(4.6?250mm,5?m) column with a mix of acetonitrile and water with 0.01%TFA as mobile phase in a gradient mode,the detection wavelength was 254nm and the temperature was 30℃.Results The experiment and analysis were carried out on ten samples,the standard HPLC fingerprint pattern method and 13 characteristic diffraction peaks of Styela plicata were obtained.The proposed method was precise,reproducible and steady.Conclusion This reliable and convenient method can be used for the identification and quality control of Styela plicata.