Flustra foliacea (Linnaeus, 1758)

Hornwrack

Description: This bryozoan consists of branching flat fronds and is sometimes mistaken for a seaweed.

Habitat: A typical species of sand-scoured areas, attached to bedrock, boulders and cobbles.

Distribution: Common and widespread throughout the British Isles.

Similar Species: Several other bryozoans are similar in shape and habit, but smaller. Securiflustra securifrons has narrower blades which tend to be divided into wedge-shaped segments.

Key Identification Features:

• Flat leathery fronds
• Surface of both sides of frond with small square zooids

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.