Scrupocellaire Rampant

Overview

Cradoscrupocellaria reptans is a colonial bryozoan, a type of aquatic filter-feeding invertebrate. It forms branched, buff-brown colonies that can reach up to 6 cm in height.

Distribution & habitat

This species is widespread across the North Atlantic Ocean, including the coasts of Europe and North America. It is commonly found in the intertidal zone and down to depths of approximately 44 meters. It frequently attaches to kelp in areas where grazing pressure from sea urchins is low.

Appearance

The colonies are composed of calcified, branching structures that may appear either upright and rigid or somewhat flattened, depending on the substrate. The branches consist of a double series of zooids, which are the individual units of the colony. Because it is morphologically similar to other species in the genus, such as C. ellisi, detailed identification often requires close examination with a magnifying tool or high-quality macro photography.

Biology & behavior

As a bryozoan, this species lives as a colony of interconnected individuals, all originating from a single ancestor through budding. Each zooid is housed within a protective chamber and possesses a retractable lophophore used for filter-feeding on plankton. The colony remains fixed to its support surface, such as algae or hard substrates, using specialized attachment filaments known as rhizoids.