Alcyonidium diaphanum

Researched ByOlwen AgerData Supplied ByMarLIN
Refereed byThis information is not refereed.
Taxonomy
Scientific nameAlcyonidium diaphanumCommon nameSea chervil
MCS CodeY76Recent SynonymsNone
PhylumBryozoaSubphylum
SuperclassClassGymnolaemata
SubclassOrderCtenostomatida
SuborderCarnosaFamilyAlcyonidiidae
GenusAlcyonidiumSpeciesdiaphanum
Subspecies  
Additional InformationOther common names include "curly weed", "amber weed" and "ju-ju weed" (Pathmanaban et al., 2005).
Taxonomy References Hayward, 1985, Howson & Picton, 1997, Hayward & Ryland, 1995b, Hayward et al., 1996, Pathmanaban et al., 2005
General Biology
Growth formCrustose soft, Shrub, DendroidFeeding methodActive suspension feeder
Mobility/MovementPermanent attachmentEnvironmental positionEpifaunal, Epilithic
Typical food typesSuspended orgaic particulates and planktonHabitAttached
BioturbatorNot relevantFlexibilityHigh (>45 degrees)
FragilityIntermediateSizeMedium-large(21-50cm)
HeightUp to 50 cm.Growth RateInsufficient information
Adult dispersal potentialNoneDependencyIndependent
SociabilityColonial
Toxic/Poisonous?No
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
Distribution and Habitat
Distribution in Britain & IrelandFound around all British and Ireland coasts.
Global distributionCommon off all north European coasts.
Biogeographic rangeNot researchedDepth rangeExtreme low water to 100m
MigratoryNon-migratory / Resident
Distribution Additional InformationDense populations can be found in the Thames Estuary, along coasts of Netherlands and belgium, Bay of Seine and the northern Bristol Channel (Porter et al., 2001).
Substratum preferencesBedrock, Large to very large boulders, Small boulders, CobblesPhysiographic preferences
Biological zoneWave exposure
Tidal stream strength/Water flowSalinity
Habitat Additional InformationNone entered
Distribution References NBN, 2002, Hayward, 1985, Hayward & Ryland, 1995b, Hayward et al., 1996, Picton & Costello, 1998, Porter et al., 2002, Pathmanaban et al., 2005, Porter et al., 2001
Reproduction/Life History
Reproductive type Developmental mechanismLecithotrophic
Reproductive SeasonInsufficient informationReproductive LocationInsufficient information
Reproductive frequencyAnnual episodic Regeneration potentialNo
Life span6-10 yearsAge at reproductive maturity1 year
Generation timeInsufficient informationFecundityInsufficient information
Egg/propagule sizeInsufficient informationFertilization typeInsufficient information
Larvae/Juveniles
Larval/Juvenile dispersal potential<10mLarval settlement periodInsufficient information
Duration of larval stage<1 day  
Additional InformationThe majority of bryozoans brood their embryos and release short lived lecithotrophic larvae (Reed, 1991). The larvae of Alcyonidium duplex hatch as fully developed larvae and settle soon after (Reed, 1991). Therefore, it is assumed that the larvae of Alcyonidium diaphanum are similar.
Reproduction References