Cribrinopsis crassa

Cribrinopsis crassa is a sessile marine species endemic to the Mediterranean. Divers can encounter this species at depths ranging from 5 to 10 meters, often in subtropical waters. It is typically found in circalittoral zones, where it anchors itself to primary and secondary rock substrates. Its foot, which can be up to 5.5 cm in diameter, is often partially embedded in rocks or attached to shells and stones. This species is solitary, distinguishing itself from other similar species that may form colonies. The morphology of Cribrinopsis crassa is notable for its oral disc, which measures about 7.5 cm across without the tentacles. The tentacles themselves are arranged in five crowns around the siphonoglyphe and can grow up to 5 cm in length. They are uniformly thick and end in a rounded point. The coloration of the oral disc is primarily gray, with shades of green or blue, while the tentacles exhibit a gray hue with brown or blue-brown tints, featuring a lighter annular band and a violet tip. The foot of the organism is gold-colored with 48 red warted lines ringed with lighter yellow. Reproduction involves the shedding of mature gametes into the coelenteron, which are then spawned through the mouth. The life cycle includes a planktonic planula larva stage, which undergoes metamorphosis with the development of tentacles, septa, and a pharynx before settling on the substrate. The IUCN Red List categorizes Cribrinopsis crassa as Least Concern.