BIOTIC Species Information for Alcyonidium diaphanum
Researched byOlwen Ager Data supplied byMarLIN
Refereed byThis information is not refereed.
General Biology
Growth formCrustose soft
Shrub
Dendroid
Feeding methodActive suspension feeder
Mobility/MovementPermanent attachment
Environmental positionEpifaunal
Epilithic
Typical food typesSuspended orgaic particulates and plankton HabitAttached
BioturbatorNot relevant FlexibilityHigh (>45 degrees)
FragilityIntermediate SizeMedium-large(21-50cm)
HeightUp to 50 cm. Growth RateInsufficient information
Adult dispersal potentialNone DependencyIndependent
SociabilityColonial
Toxic/Poisonous?
General Biology Additional Information

Alcyonidium diaphanum is responsible for the allergic contact dermatitis termed 'Dogger Bank Itch', experienced mostly by fishermen and dock workers (Pathmanaban et al., 2005). Although previously not reported from any other fishing grounds around the British Isles (Hayward, 1985), and despite its name, Dogger Bank Itch has also been reported from trawler-men in le Havre, shell fishermen from Cornwall and fixed net fishermen in the eastern English Channel (Pathmanaban et al., 2005).

Biology References Hayward, 1985, Pathmanaban et al., 2005,
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