Bryozoans

Bryozoans

Bryozoans are colonial animals of uncertain evolutionary descent. They may be related to freshwater rotifers. Bryozoans are found in the lower intertidal to subtidal zones, attached to a firm substrate, and also in brackish water. Individual animals are too small to see with the naked eye.

Bryozoan growth forms range from encrusting, forming coatings on hard surfaces, to bushy. An entire colony may bear a superficial resemblance to a hydroid colony, although bryozoans are internally more advanced than cnidarians. Bryozoan colonies grow to 3", and are occasionally larger.

Bryozoan anatomy
Note separate mouth and anus, unlike hydroid
Spiral Tufted Byozoans
Spiral Tufted Byozoans Amanthia spp

Shipwreck Champion
Type:
shipwreck, steamer, USA
Built:
1859, Wilmington DE USA
Specs:
( 234 x 31 ft ) 1419 gross tons, 55 passengers & crew
Sunk:
Friday November 7, 1879
collision with sailing ship Lady Octavia - 28 casualties
Depth:
105 ft

Printed from njscuba.net