Fredericella bryozoans
Fredericella spp. · Aquatic life
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Also called Moss animals, Fredericella sultana, Bryozoans
How to identify Fredericella bryozoans
- Thin, sparsely branched brown tubes like tiny antlers or twigs
- Tentacle crown is round (circular) rather than horseshoe shaped
- Grows as loose tangles on rocks, wood, shells and pipes
- Bean shaped statoblasts without a float ring
Similar species
Plumatella is very similar but has a horseshoe shaped tentacle crown and usually thicker, more crowded tubes; a microscope may be needed. Filamentous algae are green and lack tubes.
Profile
| Season | Can be active through much of the year, including in cold water. |
|---|---|
| Starts | Tolerates cold water and grows over a wide temperature range |
| Light | Prefers shade or deep water |
| Depth | Shallow to deep water on hard surfaces |
| How it spreads or reproduces | Statoblasts and fragments carried by water and equipment |
| Habitat | Cool lakes, reservoirs, canals and streams, including deeper water; also inside pipes and water intakes. |
Why it matters in a lake
Harmless filter feeder that can foul screens, pipes and intakes along with Plumatella. It is also a host of the parasite that causes proliferative kidney disease in trout.
Where it is found
- Idaho: Rare
- Oregon: Rare
- Wyoming: Rare
Classification
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Bryozoa |
| Class | Phylactolaemata |
| Order | Plumatellida |
| Family | Fredericellidae |
| Scientific name | Fredericella spp. |
Plumatella bryozoans
Magnificent bryozoan
Cristatella bryozoan
Daphnia (water flea)
Midge larvae (bloodworms)Need a hand?
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