[2] It is also considered to be part of a cosmopolitan species complex, being reported from Bermuda, the Caribbean Sea, the Pacific Ocean and elsewhere, and has been described as "enigmatic".

[3] Where it does grow, it sometimes consists of fragments of as many as thirty different species intermingled, with the different strains thriving in varying conditions and at different times of year.

It forms a more or less complete covering of filamentous algae over the rock, detritus, living animals and sea grasses on the seabed in its habitat; its depth range is 5 to 40 m (16 to 131 ft).

The reproductive system is very complex and has not been fully elucidated; the method used can vary with the region, the time of year and the population concerned.

[2] Acinetospora crinita and other filamentous algae grow vigorously in spring and summer, covering the seabed and tending to swamp other organisms, reducing their ability to filter feed and sometimes killing them.