Encrusts on rocks, feels hard to the touch.

Low shore on boulders. Subtidal. Not only do they live on reefs, but some deep reefs (like those just off the Otago Peninsula) are built of bryozoans!

Filter feed on plant plankton and bacteria using a unique ciliated structure called the lophophore.

A scanning electron micro-photograph showing the individuals zooids of a bryozoan colony. This encrusting specimen comes from Tauranga. There are over 6000 species of bryozoans, more than 1000 in N.Z.! They can range from tiny crusts or lentil-shaped colonies to large, tree-like shapes. Bryozoans produce remarkable chemicals and are currently being used in cancer research. Oamaru limestone is made primarily of bryzoan skeletons.

(Photo contributed by Abigail Smith)