Ruby bryozoan (Bugula neritina)

The Ruby bryozoan is purple or golden-brown and forms erect, bushy growths up to 8cm long. It was first recorded in c.1911 but by the late 1990s was thought to be no longer present, a rapid recolonization has since occurred and it is now widespread in the UK. An abundant fouling organism, it colonises a variety of sub-tidal substrata including artificial structures and vessel hulls; it has not yet been recorded from natural habitats locally.

Environmental risk: LOW

Economic risk: LOW

Image: J. Bishop © MBA