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 NBN: Flustra foliacea at National Biodiversity Network mapping facility, data for UK.

iNaturalist: Flustra foliacea at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.

WoRMS: Flustra foliacea at World Register of Marine Species. Accepted name: Flustra foliacea (Linnaeus, 1758). AphiaID: 111367.

Classification: Biota; Animalia; Bryozoa; Gymnolaemata; Cheilostomatida; Flustrina; Flustroidea; Flustridae; Flustra