Magnificent Bryozoan
IDENTIFICATION GUIDE:
Magnificent Bryozoan
fact sheet Classification:
Animalia, Bryozoan
Scientific Name:
Pectinatella magnifica
Description: Pectinatella growing on roots in Lake Hickory (Photo: Frank Swartz)
Pectinatella is one of the strangest looking animals in North Carolina. The surface of this colonial jelly-like blob is covered with microscopic filter feeders, just like coral. When disturbed or if environmental conditions become intolerable, the colony releases spores called “statoblasts” that look like little black dots. These little black dots float away to colonize new areas with favorable environmental conditions.
Habitat:
Statoblast viewed under a microscope.
Pectinatella is only found in freshwater or in estuaries with low salinity. In general, bryozoans prefer warm waters, (optimally between 590 to 820F). They require hard surfaces to attach to, such as roots, aquatic plants, piers, and boat hulls. Pectinatella colonies are immobile so they do not fare well in places where sediment covers them. Once only a North America species, they can now be found in Europe, and Asia.
Significance:
Despite its appearance, Pectinatella is not harmful. It eats algae, provides food for fish and snails, and is a host for other forms of aquatic life. Large growths may become a nuisance when they clog intake pipes and irrigation nozzles or cause excessive drag when attached to boat hulls.
When disturbed, Pectinalla releases tiny black spores called statoblasts.
North Carolina Division of Water Resources
Learn more: www.algae.nc.gov
Magnificent Bryozoan
fact sheet Classification:
Animalia, Bryozoan
Scientific Name:
Pectinatella magnifica
Description: Pectinatella growing on roots in Lake Hickory (Photo: Frank Swartz)
Pectinatella is one of the strangest looking animals in North Carolina. The surface of this colonial jelly-like blob is covered with microscopic filter feeders, just like coral. When disturbed or if environmental conditions become intolerable, the colony releases spores called “statoblasts” that look like little black dots. These little black dots float away to colonize new areas with favorable environmental conditions.
Habitat:
Statoblast viewed under a microscope.
Pectinatella is only found in freshwater or in estuaries with low salinity. In general, bryozoans prefer warm waters, (optimally between 590 to 820F). They require hard surfaces to attach to, such as roots, aquatic plants, piers, and boat hulls. Pectinatella colonies are immobile so they do not fare well in places where sediment covers them. Once only a North America species, they can now be found in Europe, and Asia.
Significance:
Despite its appearance, Pectinatella is not harmful. It eats algae, provides food for fish and snails, and is a host for other forms of aquatic life. Large growths may become a nuisance when they clog intake pipes and irrigation nozzles or cause excessive drag when attached to boat hulls.
When disturbed, Pectinalla releases tiny black spores called statoblasts.
North Carolina Division of Water Resources
Learn more: www.algae.nc.gov
