Morphology:
Porella laevis is an erect bryozoan. Colonies attach to the substrate via a spreading encrusting base which develops into a rigid irregularly branching 3D fan structure. Branches are cylindrical, tapering towards the tip. The species can grow up to 40 mm high and is yellow when alive. Autozooids are oval to hexagonal and arranged in alternating whorls of four or five.
Distribution:
Porella laevis is a boreal-arctic species. It ranges from the Faroe Isles to Shetland and south to the Bay of Biscay.
Habitat:
The species is able to colonise hard substrates in offshore habitats, greater that 50 m down to at least 1500 m. It is frequently found in association with the cold-water coral Lophelia.
Taxonomic name: