Adéonelle

Overview

Adeonella calveti is a rigid, shrub-like bryozoan endemic to the Mediterranean Sea, with occasional sightings in the nearby Atlantic. It typically thrives in shaded, sheltered environments such as semi-dark caves, vertical walls, and overhangs, where it forms part of the coralligenous community.

Appearance

This species grows as a stiff, branching colony that can reach up to 20 cm in height. Its structure consists of flattened, fragile branches that divide dichotomously—splitting into two—from the base, ending in rounded tips. The colonies are generally light yellow to beige, though older sections at the base may appear greenish due to the presence of microscopic organisms. When observed closely, the surface of the colony has a fuzzy, whitish appearance caused by the lophophores of the individual zooids.

Biology & behavior

As a colonial organism, A. calveti is composed of numerous small, calcified modules called autozooids. The colony is often oriented perpendicular to the prevailing water currents to optimize feeding. To protect itself from being overgrown by other organisms, it utilizes specialized zooids known as avicularia. The colony can reproduce through sexual means, where larvae are brooded in a chamber called an ovicelle before being released, or through asexual fragmentation, where broken pieces can develop into new, independent colonies.