Membranipora

Membranipora is a genus of bryozoan in the family Membraniporidae. A typical example is the widely distributed species Membranipora membranacea that commonly encrusts seaweeds, particularly fronds of the kelps Laminaria digitata, L. hyperborea, and Saccorhiza polyschides.

Colonies of M. membranacea show different forms of polyphenism as spines, tower zooids, chimneys and stolons.

Reproduction

The eggs of M. membranipora develop into planktonic cyphonautic larvae which is strongly triangular in outline and about 850μm x 600μm big.

References

• Okamura, B. and J.C. Partridge (1999). "Suspension feeding adaptations to extreme flow environments in a marine bryozoan." Biol. Bull. 196: 205–215
• Padilla, D. K. and C. D. Harvell (1996). "Inducible aggression and intraspecific competition for space in a marine bryozoan, Membranipora membranacea". Limnol. Oceanogr. 41: 505–512
• Stricker, S. A., C. G. Reed & R.L. Zimmer (1988a). The cyphonautes larva of the marine Bryozoan Membranipora membranacea. 1. General morphology, body wall, and gut. Can. J. Zool. 66: 368–383.
• Stricker, S. A., C. G. Reed & R.L. Zimmer (1988b). The cyphonautes Larva of the Marine Bryozoan Membranipora membranacea. 2. Internal sac, musculature, and pyriform organ. Can. J. Zool. 66: 384–398.