Phylactolaemata

Freshwater bryozoans

The freshwater bryozoans form a class of bryozoans ( Bryozoa or Ectoprocta ), in contrast to all other classes of this animal strain found exclusively in freshwater ( limnic ). This in the scheme known as Phylactolaemata class includes only one order, the Plumatellida, with five families. The Phylactolaemata are sometimes referred to as Lophopoda.

Construction

The freshwater bryozoans are mostly found in stagnant water, whether as a coating on stones at the bottom of lake and pond rose petals on the water or hanging branches. Of the more than 5000 extant species of bryozoans, which are collectively known, are only about 74 to the freshwater bryozoans, of which 19-20 in Europe are native. Latest in Europe ( Italy) discovered species are: Plumatella vaihiriae, so far only from Tahiti, Hawaii, North America, Argentina and Thailand known, and Plumatella viganoi.

The Zooecien not exist as in the marine bryozoan limestone, but from chitin of different consistency. This can form gelatinous or crust-like coating the colonies, sometimes branched forms are found. In some species, the colonies can be up to about 1 kg heavy form lumps. The freshwater bryozoans are adapted to the changing seasons, forming in the fall of resting stages ( Statoblasten ) which serve as wintering.

System

• Class: freshwater bryozoans Order: Plumatellida Family: Cristatellidae Genus: Cristatella

• Genus: Fredericella, Internectella

• Genera: Asajirella, Lophopodella, Lophopus

• Genera: Pectinatella

• Genera: Afrindella, Australasia Ella, Gelatinella, Hyalinella, Plumatella, Stolella, Swarupella, Varunella

• Genus: Ella Stephan