, commonly known as "moss animals," are a phylum of microscopic aquatic invertebrates that live in sedentary colonies. While they are often mistaken for coral, seaweed, or even gelatinous "blobs," they are a distinct group of filter-feeders found in both marine and freshwater environments. Biological Structure and Anatomy
: Zooids secrete a protective chamber called a zooecium, which can be gelatinous, chitinous (like insect shells), or calcified (like coral). bryozoa
: In many marine species, zooids are specialized for different tasks, such as feeding ( autozooids ), defense ( avicularia ), or cleaning the colony ( vibracula ). Habitat and Environment , commonly known as "moss animals," are a