They reach their largest size in late summer and fall, which is when most people notice them. Colonies usually attach to some form of structure such as submerged logs, docks, or rocks. Colonies can range in appearance from jelly-like masses (typically what is found in Georgian Bay) to intricate coral-like structures. Zooids feed on microscopic organisms like diatoms and in turn, are fed on by larger aquatic predators like fish, insect larvae, crayfish, and snails.įreshwater bryozoan colonies build gelatinous exoskeletons (outer protective structures) that contain many individual zooids. Individual bryozoans are called zooids and can be viewed with adequate magnification.

Moss animals (phylum Bryozoa) are simple microscopic aquatic invertebrates that live in colonies. Dive in to learn about neat freshwater finds from pollen to parasites! Moss Animals For this month’s blog post, we have compiled a list of some of the water wonders that we are most commonly asked about. Every summer we receive emails from residents and visitors with questions about the interesting things they see in the water. Georgian Bay and the surrounding inland lakes and rivers are full of wonderful surprises.

Download horsehair worm larvae