Morphology:
Phaeostachys spinifera is an encrusting bryozoan that forms flat and often extensive colonies which are light brown in colour. Autozooids are oval to hexagonal and convex. They are 0.54-0.64 by 0.4-0.5 mm, with five to seven stout pointed spines around the orifice.
Distribution:
Phaeostachys spinifera is found off all British coasts, but has a limited distribution elsewhere. It has been reported from Danish waters and is probably widespread in the southern North Sea, extending no further than the Faroe Isles.
Habitat:
The species is able to colonise stones, shell and algae such as Furcellaria and Laminaria holdfasts. It ranges from the lower shore, where it is often abundant, to approximately 100 metres.
Taxonomic name: