Britannica
Sources used in this answer
Where do freshwater bryozoans grow?
Created from Britannica articles
using AI.
AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
moss animal
Eurystomella bilabiata, a moss animal from the Order Cheilostomata.
Freshwater bryozoans—members of the class Phylactolaemata—are invertebrate organisms that typically grow in shallow, clear, and quiet or gently flowing waters, such as pools, lakes, and rivers.123
They are commonly found attached to submerged vegetation, including leaves, stems, and tree roots. While they are often inconspicuous, they readily colonize various submerged surfaces and have historically been known to grow inside water supply pipes. These organisms tend to thrive in slightly alkaline water conditions.23