Freshwater Bryozoans

Biology of freshwater cyphonautes larvae.
Larvae that feed on plankton are common in the ocean but seldom occur in fresh water. In 2005 in Thailand we unexpectedly encountered such a larva in the freshwater ctenostome bryozoan, Hislopia malayensis. This projects asks: How has this fundamentally marine larva adapted so successfully to the tropical freshwater habitat? (More….)

Taxonomy and systematics of freshwater bryozoans.
A recent series of surveys in Thailand brought to light 6 new species of freshwater bryozoans. This work now continues in southern Asia as well as in other unexplored regions of the world. One goal of this project is to produce identification keys accessible electronically using the EFG program. This project asks, How many species of freshwater bryozoans are there, and how can they be distinguished? (More….)

Floatoblast structure and development.
Floatoblasts are the buoyant asexual buds of many freshwater bryozoans. However, their structure varies from one family to another, and the events surrounding gas production for buoyancy are unknown. Among other things, this project seeks to clarify the development process by asking, What are the mechanisms that enable the floatoblast to achieve buoyancy? (More….)