Distribution data supplied by the Ocean Biodiversity Information System (OBIS). To interrogate UK data visit the NBN Atlas.Map Help
Researched by | Angus Jackson | Refereed by | Dr Peter J. Hayward |
Authority | (Ellis & Solander, 1786) | ||
Other common names | - | Synonyms | Pentapora fascialis (Pallas 1766), Lepralia foliacea (Ellis & Solander, 1786) |
A large, erect bryozoan deep orange in colour. The colony is attached to the substratum by an encrusting base and forms a mass of repeatedly dividing sheets in an open honeycomb structure. The edges of the sheets are wavy and convoluted. Pentapora foliacea has a growth rate of approximately 2 cm per year and lives for up to ten years. Colonies can reach up to 40 cm in diameter (more typically up to 20 cm across) and 10 cm in height. When dead, the deep orange colour fades to a pale buff.
Common along the South coast of England as far east as Beachy Head. Also the south west, the western extremities of Wales and the Isle of Man. In Ireland present along the south west and north coasts. Scarce records from the Hebrides and St Kilda.
Pentapora foliacea is also recorded from the north coast of Morocco, but Mediterranean records require reassessment based on recent taxonomy (Lombardi et al., 2010).
Pentapora foliacea colonies grow on bedrock or large boulders in current swept areas, often surrounded by gravel and scoured by coarse sand. They may colonize coarse gravel and pebbles but do not grow to large colonies.
Sometimes misleadingly called "ross coral". The Species Directory of the British Isles (Howson & Picton, 1997) placed Pentapora fascialis in the family Hippoporinidae under the species name Pentapora foliacea but Hayward & Ryland (1999) conflated the species and suggested that P. foliacea was a junior synonym of P. fascialis (Lombardi et al., 2010). Older classification schemes used the species Lepralia foliacea, e.g. the Plymouth Marine Fauna (Marine Biological Association 1957) and Bruce et al. (1963). But a recent study by Lombardi et al. (2010) concluded that Pentapora foliacea and Pentpora fascialis were distinct species and that P. foliacea was the resident species in the North East Atlantic while P. fascialis was included in the Mediterranean clade.
Due to the lack of information on these species and the taxonomic confusion in the literature, this review is based on information on both Pentapora foliacea and P. fascialis.
Phylum | Bryozoa | Sea mats, horn wrack & lace corals |
Class | Gymnolaemata | Naked throat bryozoans |
Order | Cheilostomatida | |
Family | Bitectiporidae | |
Genus | Pentapora | |
Authority | (Ellis & Solander, 1786) | |
Recent Synonyms | Pentapora fascialis (Pallas 1766)Lepralia foliacea (Ellis & Solander, 1786) |
Typical abundance | Moderate density | ||
Male size range | |||
Male size at maturity | |||
Female size range | Medium-large(21-50cm) | ||
Female size at maturity | |||
Growth form | Foliose | ||
Growth rate | 2cm/year | ||
Body flexibility | None (less than 10 degrees) | ||
Mobility | |||
Characteristic feeding method | Active suspension feeder, Non-feeding | ||
Diet/food source | |||
Typically feeds on | |||
Sociability | |||
Environmental position | Epibenthic | ||
Dependency | No text entered. | ||
Supports | Substratum A variety of bryozoan species, and other epibionts. | ||
Is the species harmful? | No |
Physiographic preferences | Offshore seabed, Open coast |
Biological zone preferences | Lower circalittoral, Lower infralittoral, Upper circalittoral |
Substratum / habitat preferences | Artificial (man-made), Bedrock, Large to very large boulders |
Tidal strength preferences | Moderately Strong 1 to 3 knots (0.5-1.5 m/sec.), Strong 3 to 6 knots (1.5-3 m/sec.) |
Wave exposure preferences | Exposed, Moderately exposed, Sheltered, Very exposed |
Salinity preferences | Full (30-40 psu) |
Depth range | 11 - 80 |
Other preferences | No text entered |
Migration Pattern | Non-migratory / resident |
Off Lundy in the Bristol Channel, most common below 18 m and abundant between 25 -34 m (Hayward & Ryland, 1979). Pentapora fascialis is recorded as settling on artificial substrata in the Ligurian sea (Geraci, 1974 cited in Cocito et al., 1998(b)). Pentapora foliacea is recorded as being present (off the British Isles) in temperatures between 8 & 14 °C and salinity of 34.5 psu (Patzold et al., 1987).
Reproductive type | No information | |
Reproductive frequency | Annual protracted | |
Fecundity (number of eggs) | No information | |
Generation time | Insufficient information | |
Age at maturity | See additional information | |
Season | February - October | |
Life span | 5-10 years |
Larval/propagule type | - |
Larval/juvenile development | Lecithotrophic |
Duration of larval stage | < 1 day |
Larval dispersal potential | No information |
Larval settlement period | Insufficient information |
Pentapora foliacea and P. fascialis are closely related. Therefore, information from P.fascialis has been used to infer life history characteristics of P. foliacea due to the lack of species-specific information and the confusion in taxonomy between the two species.
The MarLIN sensitivity assessment approach used below has been superseded by the MarESA (Marine Evidence-based Sensitivity Assessment) approach (see menu). The MarLIN approach was used for assessments from 1999-2010. The MarESA approach reflects the recent conservation imperatives and terminology and is used for sensitivity assessments from 2014 onwards.
Intolerance | Recoverability | Sensitivity | Evidence/Confidence | |
High | Moderate | Moderate | High | |
Pentapora foliacea is permanently attached to the seabed so substratum loss would result in death. Although being quite long-lived (10+ years) Pentapora fascialis is noted as having good reproductive and recolonization abilities, quite fast growth rates and gaining reproductive competency at an early stage (Cocito et al., 1998(b)). However, as the larval stage is potentially very short lived, dispersal distances may be limited (Keough & Chernoff, 1987). Local position of the adults can strongly affect the spatial pattern of larval settlement (Cocito et al 1998(b)). Following the almost total loss of a small population, Cocito et al., 1998(b)) recorded recovery and growth to original colony sizes taking only 3.5 years. In this case, reproductive adults remained nearby. If there are no remaining nearby adult populations then recovery may take much longer and so is assessed as moderate. | ||||
Intermediate | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate | |
Pentapora foliacea is permanently attached to the seabed and so would be unable to avoid smothering. Although colonies of this species may reach considerable heights (50 cm in the Mediterranean), the sheet-like-structure is likely to retain any smothering sediment. Smaller colonies may be entirely killed whereas larger colonies that protrude through the smothering layer may lose only part of the colony. Smothering by encrusting epibiotic species may also occur (Cocoito et al. (1998(a)) recorded epibionts present on 50 % of the area of study quadrats in the Mediterranean). Epibionts can cause partial mortality of colonies. This effect is size dependent - proportions affected by epibionts is greater in larger colonies. Although being quite long-lived (10+ years) Pentapora fascialis is noted as having good reproductive and recolonization abilities, quite fast growth rates and gaining reproductive competency at an early stage (Cocito et al., 1998(b)). However, as the larval stage is potentially very short lived, dispersal distances may be limited (Keough & Chernoff, 1987). Local position of the adults can strongly affect the spatial pattern of larval settlement (Cocito et al 1998(b)). Following the almost total loss of a small population, Cocito et al., 1998(b)) recorded recovery and growth to original colony sizes taking only 3.5 years. In this case, reproductive adults remained nearby. If there are no remaining nearby adult populations then recovery may take much longer. Some evidence is available regarding the ability of this species to repair damage to colonies by epibiont smothering by regrowth of new zooids and strengthening of the base by thickening of lower zooid walls (Hayward and Ryland, 1979). | ||||
Intermediate | High | Low | Moderate | |
Siltation has been recorded as causing partial colony mortality in populations of Pentapora fascialis in the Mediterranean. Increases in siltation rate may cause loss of part of a population. Although being quite long-lived (10+ years) Pentapora fascialis is noted as having good reproductive and recolonization abilities, quite fast growth rates and gaining reproductive competency at an early stage (Cocito et al., 1998(b)). However, as the larval stage is potentially very short lived, dispersal distances may be limited (Keough & Chernoff, 1987). Local position of the adults can strongly affect the spatial pattern of larval settlement (Cocito et al., 1998(b)). Following the almost total loss of a small population, Cocito et al., 1998(b)) recorded recovery and growth to original colony sizes taking only 3.5 years. In this case, reproductive adults remained nearby. If there are no remaining nearby adult populations then recovery may take much longer. Some evidence is available regarding the ability of this species to repair damage to colonies by siltation by regrowth of new zooids and strengthening of the base by thickening of lower zooid walls (Hayward and Ryland, 1979). | ||||
No information | ||||
High | Moderate | Moderate | Low | |
The species is entirely subtidal and exposure to desiccating influences is likely to cause death. Although being quite long-lived (10+ years) Pentapora fascialis is noted as having good reproductive and recolonization abilities, quite fast growth rates and gaining reproductive competency at an early stage (Cocito et al., 1998(b)). However, as the larval stage is potentially very short lived, dispersal distances may be limited (Keough & Chernoff, 1987). Local position of the adults can strongly affect the spatial pattern of larval settlement (Cocito et al., 1998(b)). Following the almost total loss of a small population, Cocito et al., 1998(b)) recorded recovery and growth to original colony sizes taking only 3.5 years. In this case, reproductive adults remained nearby. If there are no remaining nearby adult populations then recovery may take much longer and so is assessed as moderate. | ||||
High | Moderate | Moderate | Low | |
The species is entirely subtidal and a period of emergence is likely to cause death. Although being quite long-lived (10+ years) Pentapora fascialis is noted as having good reproductive and recolonization abilities, quite fast growth rates and gaining reproductive competency at an early stage (Cocito et al., 1998(b)). However, as the larval stage is potentially very short lived, dispersal distances may be limited (Keough & Chernoff, 1987). Local position of the adults can strongly affect the spatial pattern of larval settlement (Cocito et al., 1998(b)). Following almost total loss of a small population, Cocito et al., 1998(b)) recorded recovery and growth to original colony sizes taking only 3.5 years. In this case, reproductive adults remained nearby. If there are no remaining nearby adult populations then recovery may take much longer. | ||||
No information | ||||
Low | Very high | Very Low | Low | |
The species inhabits environments with considerable water flow and is often found in areas scoured by sand. Decreases in water flow rate may interfere with feeding efficiency. Recovery of condition on the resumption of normal conditions should not take too long. | ||||
No information | ||||
Intermediate | High | Low | Low | |
Pentapora foliacea is found in warmer waters as far south the north coast of Morocco. The northernmost limits of the distribution are in the Minch off western Scotland. Once established, colonies are most likely able to withstand occasional lower or higher than normal temperatures, but long term decreases in temperature may cause distribution range to shrink. Although being quite long-lived (10+ years) Pentapora fascialis is noted as having good reproductive and recolonization abilities, quite fast growth rates and gaining reproductive competency at an early stage (Cocito et al., 1998(b)). However, as the larval stage is potentially very short lived, dispersal distances may be limited (Keough & Chernoff, 1987). Local position of the adults can strongly affect the spatial pattern of larval settlement (Cocito et al., 1998(b)). Following the almost total loss of a small population, Cocito et al., 1998(b)) recorded recovery and growth to original colony sizes taking only 3.5 years. In this case, reproductive adults remained nearby. If there are no remaining nearby adult populations then recovery may take much longer. Some evidence is available regarding the ability of this species to repair damage to the colony by regrowth of new zooids and strengthening of the base by thickening of lower zooid walls (Hayward and Ryland, 1979). | ||||
No information | ||||
Tolerant | Not relevant | Not sensitive | High | |
The species has very low or no ability for visual perception and is unlikely to be sensitive to changes in turbidity. | ||||
No information | ||||
Intermediate | High | Low | Moderate | |
The species can occur in fairly exposed conditions. However, extreme wave action, as in storms, has been noted to cause widespread destruction of colonies (Cocito et al., 1998(a)). Therefore, increases in wave exposure may cause damage to colonies. Although being quite long-lived (10+ years) Pentapora fascialis is noted as having good reproductive and recolonization abilities, quite fast growth rates and gaining reproductive competency at an early stage (Cocito et al., 1998(b)). However, as the larval stage is potentially very short lived, dispersal distances may be limited (Keough & Chernoff, 1987). Local position of the adults can strongly affect the spatial pattern of larval settlement (Cocito et al., 1998(b)). Following the almost total loss of a small population, Cocito et al. (1998(b)) recorded recovery and growth to original colony sizes taking only 3.5 years. In this case, reproductive adults remained nearby. If there are no remaining nearby adult populations then recovery may take much longer. Some evidence is available regarding the ability of this species to repair damage to the colony by regrowth of new zooids and strengthening of the base by thickening of lower zooid walls (Hayward and Ryland, 1979). | ||||
No information | ||||
Tolerant | Not relevant | Not sensitive | Low | |
It is unlikely that Pentapora fascialis has a particular intolerance to noise vibrations. | ||||
Tolerant | Not relevant | Not sensitive | High | |
The species has very low or no ability for visual perception and is unlikely to be sensitive to changes in visual perception. | ||||
High | Moderate | Moderate | High | |
The 'leaves' of a Pentapora foliacea colony are highly calcified and brittle. Physical abrasion can easily cause damage. Pentapora foliacea is noted as being tolerant of regular medium intensity disturbances (such as winter storms) but low frequency, high intensity disturbances such as freak storms cause mortality, particularly in shallower waters (Cocito et al., 1998(b)). The effects of diver frequentation have been monitored for Pentapora fascialis populations in the Mediterranean (Sala et al., 1996). Areas with heavy diving activity have greatly reduced densities of Pentapora fascialis and remaining colonies are frequently smaller and highly damaged. Colonies only survive in more protected locations such as under overhangs. In addition, Pentapora foliacea was reported to be damaged by scallop dredges and mobile fishing gear, pots and creels (Bullimore, 1985; DWT, 1993; Eno et al., 1996). Mobile gears also result in modification of the substratum, including removal of shell debris, cobbles and rocks, and the movement of boulders (Bullimore, 1985; Jennings & Kaiser, 1998). Therefore, intolerance has been assessed as high. Although being quite long-lived (10+ years) Pentapora fascialis is noted as having good reproductive and recolonization abilities, quite fast growth rates and gaining reproductive competency at an early stage (Cocito et al., 1998b). However, as the larval stage is potentially very short lived, dispersal distances may be limited (Keough & Chernoff, 1987). Local position of the adults can strongly affect the spatial pattern of larval settlement (Cocito et al., 1998b). Following almost total loss of a small population, Cocito et al., 1998b) recorded recovery and growth to original colony sizes taking only 3.5 years. In this case, reproductive adults remained nearby. If there are no remaining nearby adult populations then recovery may take much longer. | ||||
High | Moderate | Moderate | High | |
The colonies of Pentapora fascialis are permanently attached to the substratum. If displaced, the colony in not able to reform the attachment and death occurs. No information is available regarding the reproduction or dispersal abilities of this species so no assessment of recoverability can be made. However, the species may be quite long lived (10+ years) and slow growing (2 cm per year). Following loss of a population, growth to original colony sizes, after recolonization, may take some years. |
Intolerance | Recoverability | Sensitivity | Evidence/Confidence | |
No information | No information | No information | Not relevant | |
Insufficient | ||||
No information | No information | No information | Not relevant | |
Insufficient | ||||
No information | No information | No information | Not relevant | |
Insufficient | ||||
No information | No information | No information | Not relevant | |
Insufficient | ||||
No information | No information | No information | Not relevant | |
Insufficient | ||||
High | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate | |
The species only inhabits fully saline waters (Patzold et al., 1987) and exposure to salinity conditions outside of this range would probably result in death. Although being quite long-lived (10+ years) Pentapora fascialis is noted as having good reproductive and recolonization abilities, quite fast growth rates and gaining reproductive competency at an early stage (Cocito et al., 1998(b)). However, as the larval stage is potentially very short lived, dispersal distances may be limited (Keough & Chernoff, 1987). Local position of the adults can strongly affect the spatial pattern of larval settlement (Cocito et al., 1998(b)). Following the almost total loss of a small population, Cocito et al., 1998(b)) recorded recovery and growth to original colony sizes taking only 3.5 years. In this case, reproductive adults remained nearby. If there are no remaining nearby adult populations, as is likely with changes in salinity, then recovery may take much longer. | ||||
No information | ||||
Intermediate | High | Low | Low | |
There is no information regarding the tolerance of Pentapora fascialis to changes in oxygen concentration. However, Cole et al., (1999) suggest possible adverse effects on marine species below 4 mg/l and probable adverse effects below 2mg/l. Although being quite long-lived (10+ years) Pentapora fascialis is noted as having good reproductive and recolonization abilities, quite fast growth rates and gaining reproductive competency at an early stage (Cocito et al., 1998(b)). However, as the larval stage is potentially very short lived, dispersal distances may be limited (Keough & Chernoff, 1987). Local position of the adults can strongly affect the spatial pattern of larval settlement (Cocito et al., 1998(b)). Following almost total loss of a small population, Cocito et al., 1998(b)) recorded recovery and growth to original colony sizes taking only 3.5 years. In this case, reproductive adults remained nearby. If there are no remaining nearby adult populations then recovery may take much longer. Some evidence is available regarding the ability of this species to repair damage to the colony by regrowth of new zooids and strengthening of the base by thickening of lower zooid walls (Hayward and Ryland, 1979). |
Intolerance | Recoverability | Sensitivity | Evidence/Confidence | |
No information | No information | No information | Not relevant | |
Insufficient | ||||
No information | No information | No information | Not relevant | |
Insufficient | ||||
Not relevant | Not relevant | Not relevant | High | |
The species has no commercial value (Sala et al., 1996) and is highly unlikely to be extracted. | ||||
Tolerant | Not relevant | Not sensitive | Very low | |
Pentapora fascialis has no known obligate relationships. Extraction of other species is not likely to have any effect on Pentapora fascialis colonies. |
Northern Ireland Priority Species |
National (GB) importance | Not rare/scarce | Global red list (IUCN) category | - |
Native | - | ||
Origin | - | Date Arrived | - |
On rocky, current swept seabeds, the species is often a conspicuous and dominant component of the assemblage (Hayward & Ryland, 1979.). Pentapora foliacea is recorded as acting as host for a variety of other bryozoan species and shelter for quite high densities of other fauna (Hayward & Ryland, 1979)
Bruce, J.R., Colman, J.S. & Jones, N.S., 1963. Marine fauna of the Isle of Man. Liverpool: Liverpool University Press.
Cocito, S., Ferdeghini, F., & Sgorbini, S., 1998b. Pentapora fascialis (Pallas) [Cheilostomata: Ascophora] colonization of one sublittoral rocky site after sea-storm in the northwest Mediterranean. Hydrobiologia, 375/376, 59-66.
Cocito, S., Sgarbini, S. & Bianchi, C.N., 1998a. Aspects of the biology of the bryozoan Pentapora fascialis in the northwestern Mediterranean. Marine Biology, 131, 73-82.
Eggleston, D., 1972a. Patterns of reproduction in marine Ectoprocta off the Isle of Man. Journal of Natural History, 6, 31-38.
Gautier, Y.V., 1962. Recherches ecologiques sur les bryozoares chilostomes en Mediterranee occidentale. Recueil des travaux de la station marine d'Endoume, 38, 165-166.
Hayward, P., Nelson-Smith, T. & Shields, C. 1996. Collins pocket guide. Sea shore of Britain and northern Europe. London: HarperCollins.
Hayward, P.J. & Ryland, J.S. 1979. British ascophoran bryozoans. London: Academic Press.
Hayward, P.J. & Ryland, J.S. 1999. Cheilostomatous Bryozoa. Part II Hippothooidea - Celleporoidea. London: Academic Press.[Synopses of the British Fauna, no. 14. (2nd edition)]
Howson, C.M. & Picton, B.E., 1997. The species directory of the marine fauna and flora of the British Isles and surrounding seas. Belfast: Ulster Museum. [Ulster Museum publication, no. 276.]
JNCC (Joint Nature Conservation Committee), 1999. Marine Environment Resource Mapping And Information Database (MERMAID): Marine Nature Conservation Review Survey Database. [on-line] http://www.jncc.gov.uk/mermaid
Keough, M.J. & Chernoff, H., 1987. Dispersal and population variation in the bryozoan Bugula neritina. Ecology, 68, 199 - 210.
Lock, K., Burton, M., Luddington, L. & Newman, P., 2006. Skomer Marine Nature Reserve project status report 2005/06. Countryside Council for Wales, Bangor, CCW Regional Report CCW/WW/05/9.
Lombardi, C., Taylor, P.D. & Cocito, S., 2010. Systematics of the Miocene–Recent bryozoan genus Pentapora (Cheilostomata). Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, 160 (1), 17-39. DOI: 10.1111/j.1096-3642.2009.00594.x
MBA (Marine Biological Association), 1957. Plymouth Marine Fauna. Plymouth: Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom.
Patzold, J., Ristedt, H. & Wefer, G., 1987. Rate of growth and longevity of a large colony of Pentapora foliacea (Bryozoa) recorded in their oxygen isotope profiles. Marine Biology, 96, 535-538.
Picton, B.E. & Costello, M.J., 1998. BioMar biotope viewer: a guide to marine habitats, fauna and flora of Britain and Ireland. [CD-ROM] Environmental Sciences Unit, Trinity College, Dublin.
Sala, E., Garrabon, J. & Zabala, M., 1996. Effects of diver frequentation on Mediterranean sublittoral populations of the bryozoan Pentapora fascialis. Marine Biology, 126, 451-459.
Centre for Environmental Data and Recording, 2018. Ulster Museum Marine Surveys of Northern Ireland Coastal Waters. Occurrence dataset https://www.nmni.com/CEDaR/CEDaR-Centre-for-Environmental-Data-and-Recording.aspx accessed via NBNAtlas.org on 2018-09-25.
Dorset Environmental Records Centre, 2018. Ross Coral Mapping Project - NBN South West Pilot Project Case Studies. Occurrence dataset:https://doi.org/10.15468/mnlzxc accessed via GBIF.org on 2018-09-25.
Manx Biological Recording Partnership, 2018. Isle of Man historical wildlife records 1990 to 1994. Occurrence dataset:https://doi.org/10.15468/aru16v accessed via GBIF.org on 2018-10-01.
NBN (National Biodiversity Network) Atlas. Available from: https://www.nbnatlas.org.
OBIS (Ocean Biodiversity Information System), 2023. Global map of species distribution using gridded data. Available from: Ocean Biogeographic Information System. www.iobis.org. Accessed: 2023-06-07
This review can be cited as:
Last Updated: 08/06/2016