With a slimy snot-like appearance this species can form big colonies on rocks, aquaculture equipment and marine structures. In its a free-swimming larval stage it can spread far and wide. It dies-back over winter but in summer it leaves no space for native species and changes the appearance of our beautiful coastal places.

How to identify this species:

• Cream/white but can have orange flecks

• Forms large colonies (5-30 cm long)

• Has stalk to attach to hard surface

• Can be found washed up on beach

• Firm and gelatinous to touch

• Colonies shrink over winter

This species is known to be in the following locations in Northland and Auckland. If you find it outside this area, please report it.

Parengarenga Harbour, Rangaunu Harbour, Mangonui Harbour, Whangape Harbour, Whangārei Harbour, Whangateau Harbour, Sandspit, Kawau Island, Mahurangi Harbour, Waitematā Harbour, wider Hauraki Gulf.

This list is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of publishing - for a full list of marine pest locations, please go to the Marine Biosecurity Porthole