Live Leafy Bryozoan (Flustra foliacea)
Please note this is a live marine specimen.
The Leafy Bryozoan (Flustra foliacea) is a colonial marine organism that forms flat, leaf-like fronds resembling delicate seaweed. Found on subtidal sand and cobble bottoms along the Gulf of Maine, this bryozoan builds flexible, branching colonies that provide habitat for small invertebrates and demonstrate the complexity of marine colonial life. Its brown to yellow-brown fronds are both sturdy and intricate, making it a fascinating specimen for classroom study or display aquaria.
Sustainably hand-collected from coastal waters, each live specimen showcases the remarkable architecture of one of Maine’s most unique benthic species.
Key Facts:
Common name: Leafy bryozoan
Scientific name: Flustra foliacea
Locations: Subtidal on sand and cobble bottoms
Seasonality: Available year round
Colors: Brown, yellow-brown
Size: 2” – 4”
Collected: By hand
Quantity: Sold by the each
Note: This is a live marine specimen. Natural variations in size, color, and appearance from photos should be expected. If you would like any specimen preserved, please send a request to: info@gulfofme.com
Live Leafy Bryozoan (Flustra foliacea)
Please note this is a live marine specimen.
The Leafy Bryozoan (Flustra foliacea) is a colonial marine organism that forms flat, leaf-like fronds resembling delicate seaweed. Found on subtidal sand and cobble bottoms along the Gulf of Maine, this bryozoan builds flexible, branching colonies that provide habitat for small invertebrates and demonstrate the complexity of marine colonial life. Its brown to yellow-brown fronds are both sturdy and intricate, making it a fascinating specimen for classroom study or display aquaria.
Sustainably hand-collected from coastal waters, each live specimen showcases the remarkable architecture of one of Maine’s most unique benthic species.
Key Facts:
Common name: Leafy bryozoan
Scientific name: Flustra foliacea
Locations: Subtidal on sand and cobble bottoms
Seasonality: Available year round
Colors: Brown, yellow-brown
Size: 2” – 4”
Collected: By hand
Quantity: Sold by the each
Note: This is a live marine specimen. Natural variations in size, color, and appearance from photos should be expected. If you would like any specimen preserved, please send a request to: info@gulfofme.com
Tidepool Tim says, "Leafy bryozoans have wide, flat leaves that look like potato chips texture wise. We do not have any Flustra in our protected bays. In order to collect this, I have to travel to the open ocean shores and tidepools. Lots of this bryozoan wash ashore after fall and winter storms.”
