Bugula neritina colony: one branching bryozoan form. Encrusting species can look very different.
Bryozoans
FriendBryozoa; colonial filter feeders
Usually harmless filter feeders; monitor colonies that spread onto living coral.
- Quick ID
- Fine branching lace, a small bush, or a regular encrusting patch made of repeated tiny units. Magnification may reveal tentacle crowns emerging from individual zooids.
- Typical size
- Individual zooids are tiny; colonies can spread from a small patch to several centimetres or more.
- Usually found
- Shaded rock, coral skeleton, shells, frag undersides and other firm surfaces.
- Commonly confused with
- Hydroids, sponges, tunicates and coralline crusts. A repeated regular zooid pattern and feeding crowns can help distinguish them.
- Worth knowing
- The branching Bugula photograph is one form. Encrusting bryozoans may resemble a pale lace-like crust and need a separate close look.
- What should I do?
- Usually leave in place. Monitor growth near living coral; gently manage troublesome colonies on removable surfaces without scraping the coral tissue.
