This small octocoral forms an encrusting network of 2mm wide, flattened stolons on rocks and shells. Sometimes the stolons fuse to form a continuous sheet. The polyps are up to 10mm tall including tentacles, semi-translucent white. The stolon is typically red but may be yellow or colourless. Compare with Cornularia cornucopiae. If identification is still uncertain observe with a good magnifying glass: the stolon contains numerous minute calcareous particles (sclerites or spicules) about 0.1mm long; these are absent from Cornularia.

East Atlantic, European waters (ERMS scope), Greek Exclusive Economic Zone, Irish Exclusive economic Zone, Mediterranean Sea, North East Atlantic, Swedish Exclusive Economic Zone, United Kingdom Exclusive Economic Zone

Common on all westerly coasts of Great Britain and Ireland, occasional in the North Sea. Also found around southwest Europe to the Mediterranean.

Depth range based on 10 specimens in 1 taxon.
Water temperature and chemistry ranges based on 1 sample.

Environmental ranges
  Depth range (m): 0 - 64
  Temperature range (°C): 11.639 - 11.639
  Nitrate (umol/L): 4.573 - 4.573
  Salinity (PPS): 35.008 - 35.008
  Oxygen (ml/l): 6.328 - 6.328
  Phosphate (umol/l): 0.333 - 0.333
  Silicate (umol/l): 3.419 - 3.419

Graphical representation

Depth range (m): 0 - 64
 
Note: this information has not been validated. Check this *note*. Your feedback is most welcome.

Occurs from the lower shore to at least 100m depth. May be most common in sheltered situations such as sea lochs and in small caves and beneath overhangs. Tolerates reduced salinity.