For over four decades, Professor Christine Maggs was obsessed with a tiny, elusive seaweed she first spotted as a PhD student. The pink-striped algae, living on coral-like maerl beds in UK waters, defied identification because she could never collect enough material. The search continued through her career, with only fleeting glimpses, until two years ago. During a survey of Cornish maerl beds, organized by Natural England, scientific divers collected samples of a small red algae with pink bands and pincer tips. Independent marine biologist Francis Bunker suspected it was the long-sought species and sent it to Prof Maggs. To grow the seaweed large enough for DNA sequencing, she used a wine fridge to create the perfect cool, dark environment. With the help of Prof Beatriz de Barros Barreto, the DNA analysis confirmed it was indeed a new species. The discovery, soon to be published in the journal Phycologia, is significant because it underscores the rich biodiversity of maerl beds, which are threatened and declining habitats. The new species, scientifically named *ceramium ruenessianum*, will join the Natural History Museum's collection. While the discovery is exciting, it also plays a crucial role in monitoring the health of maerl beds, which are vital nurseries for fish and support immense ecological diversity. The find has sparked a public vote for a common name, with "pink-zebra weed" as a leading contender.