Alcyonidium diaphanum (Hudson, 1762)

Description: This is a fleshy bryozoan, which is sometimes mistaken for a tunicate or sponge. It consists of thin finger-like growths, variously branched or webbed together. When undisturbed small white zooids with a crown of tentacles emerge from all surfaces.

Habitat: Very common in the sublittoral zone in a wide range of habitats, attached to rocks or shells.

Distribution: Widespread all round the British Isles.

Similar Species: Some other species of Alcyonidium are similar and others are encrusting.

Key Identification Features:

• Thin cartilaginous branches
• Fine textured appearance with zooids which emerge when undisturbed

Distribution Map from BioMar data for Ireland - Google Earth map:  download this placemark (not got Google Earth installed?)

Distribution Map from NBN: JNCC MNCR data - Grid map National Biodiversity Network mapping facility, data for UK.