Neptune's Lace

Overview

Neptune's Lace (Reteporella grimaldii) is a striking colonial bryozoan known for its intricate, lace-like appearance. These delicate, calcified structures form wavy, flower-like rosettes that are highly valued by divers for their aesthetic beauty.

Appearance

The colony consists of thin, calcified lamellae that are reticulated and wavy, creating a fine, perforated texture reminiscent of embroidered lace. These colonies typically reach 10 to 20 cm in diameter and exhibit colors ranging from pale yellow to salmon pink. Older or less active parts of the colony may appear white or become covered in green microalgae.

Distribution & habitat

This species is common in the Mediterranean Sea and is also found in parts of the eastern Atlantic Ocean. It is a sciaphilous (shade-loving) organism, typically inhabiting dim, sheltered environments such as rocky overhangs, crevices, and cave entrances. It thrives in areas protected from strong currents and wave action due to the extreme fragility of its structure.

Biology & behavior

As a colonial organism, Neptune's Lace is composed of numerous individual zooids. It is a hermaphroditic species that reproduces both sexually and asexually. Asexual growth occurs through budding at the colony's edges, while sexual reproduction involves the release of eggs and sperm into the water column, or occasionally internal fertilization, resulting in larvae that eventually settle to form new colonies.

Feeding

Like other bryozoans, this species feeds by filtering seawater. Each individual zooid uses a crown of retractable tentacles, known as a lophophore, to generate suction currents that capture small planktonic prey from the surrounding water.