Flustrellidra hispida

Flustrellidra hispida is a colonial bryozoan that forms thick, lobed patches with a texture resembling fur due to its dense spines. These colonies can appear brown to yellowish and are loosely attached to various substrates. This species is characterized by its protandrous hermaphrodite zooids, which incubate non-feeding pseudocyphonautes larvae within a modified tentacle sheath. The colonies are typically found in temperate waters and can be identified by their unique encrusting growth form and coloration. This bryozoan is distributed in the northern Atlantic, ranging from the Bay of Fundy to Spain, and extends north to Norway and the White Sea. It thrives in shallow waters, typically at depths of 2 to 3 meters, and prefers temperatures not exceeding 15 °C. Flustrellidra hispida is often found in mid-littoral zones and is frequent in infra-littoral fringes, making it a common sight for divers exploring these habitats. As a sessile organism, it relies on water currents to bring food, primarily feeding on plankton and organic matter. The reproductive strategy of Flustrellidra hispida involves both internal and external fertilization, with hermaphroditic zooids contributing to its reproductive success. Encounters with this species during dives can be intriguing, as divers observe the fuzzy colonies clinging to rocks or other surfaces, often in large numbers, contributing to the biodiversity of the underwater landscape.