Bryozoa

: Most species live in the ocean, ranging from tropical coral reefs to polar waters and even deep-ocean trenches. They often encrust rocks, shells, and kelp.

, 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

: Each zooid has a "crown" of ciliated tentacles called a lophophore used to filter food like phytoplankton and bacteria from the water.