Zoobotryon verticillatum, spaghetti bryozoan, organism superficially resembles branching marine seaweed. Bryozoans are invertebrate animals in the phylum Bryozoa, all aquatic, most are marine organisms

Zoobotryon verticillatum attached to floating dock, recreation area, Marine Corps Recruit Depot, very common, Spaghetti bryozoan found on low tide rocks and around eelgrass seagrass forming mats of tan. Many epibionts attached to bryozoan branches. Other free-living organisms hide among the branches.

Literature states spaghetti bryozoan is likely an introduction. The species shows worldwide distribution.

Organism was identified as Zoobotryon pellucidum in the past - Hedgepeth et al 1968, Between Pacific Tides, stated "A southern form, known from San Diego Bay only, is the soft Zoobotryon pellucidum, which forms great, flexible, treelike masses."

five photos contributed

The first and second photos show brown branching organism "in situ" attached to floating dock edge. Bryozoan was photographed by peering over the dock edge as strong morning sunlight was streaming at an angle into the water and lighting up the dock fouling community. Some sunlight on water reflected off the water onto the photos.

The third photo of collected colony placed in plastic tank with overhead photography.

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The fourth and fifth photos were taken on 20 Sep 2013 at same location but with a close-up setup on camera. Close-up photos depict branch detail, displaying trifurcate branching.