Stolonica

Stolonica is a genus of marine bryozoans belonging to the family Electridae. These tiny colonial animals, often referred to as “moss animals” due to their appearance, are found in a wide variety of marine environments, including rocky shores, coral reefs, and seagrass meadows.

Orange Sea Grapes – Stolonica socialis

Common Names

Members of the genus Stolonica are commonly known as "stoloniferous bryozoans" or simply "stolonifers," a reference to their distinctive stolons, the long, branching structures that connect individual zooids within the colony.

Characteristics

Stolonica species exhibit a range of morphological features, but some common characteristics include:

  • Colonial lifestyle: They form colonies composed of numerous tiny individuals known as zooids.
  • Stolons: These are long, branching, thread-like structures that connect zooids and serve as pathways for nutrient transport.
  • Zooids: Each zooid is a small, individual animal with a feeding apparatus called a lophophore, which is a ring of tentacles used to capture food particles.
  • Polymorphism: Colonies of Stolonica may display polymorphism, with different types of zooids specialized for feeding, reproduction, or defense.

Environments

Stolonica species are found in a variety of marine environments, including:

  • Intertidal zones: They can tolerate exposure to air during low tide and are often found attached to rocks, shells, or seaweeds.
  • Subtidal zones: Some species inhabit deeper waters, often found on hard substrates or seagrass.
  • Coral reefs: Certain Stolonica species are common inhabitants of coral reefs, where they contribute to the diversity and complexity of the reef ecosystem.

References

For further information, please refer to the following reliable sources: