Bryozoans
Bryozoans are marine invertebrates of the Phylum Bryozoa, also known as Ectoprocta. They are colonial organisms, sometimes referred to as moss animals, which can occur in encrusting forms, erect branching growths, and leaf-like or coral-like lobes. Each colony consists of a number of individuals, called zooids, which collectively form colonies. Some of the zooids are specialized for different tasks including feeding, reproduction and attachment. Many of the bryozoans in NEMESIS have been introduced through accidental transport as fouling on commercial ships, recreational boats or aquaculture shipments. The impacts of exotic bryozoans are varied, with many having no reported impacts, but some species are fouling pests growing on ship hulls, docks and other hard surfaces.


