Entoprocta, also known as kamptozoans or goblet worms, is a phylum of small, marine invertebrate animals. They are characterized by their unique body structure and feeding mechanisms. The phylum Entoprocta includes around 150 known species.
The name "Entoprocta" comes from the Greek words "entos," meaning inner, and "proktos," meaning anus, which refers to the placement of their anus inside their crown-like feeding structure called the lophophore. This lophophore is a ring-like structure containing numerous ciliated tentacles that surround the mouth. The cilia on these tentacles create water currents that direct food particles towards the mouth for ingestion.
Typically, Entoprocta exhibit a sessile lifestyle, attaching themselves to hard surfaces such as rocks, shells, or other submerged substrates. They form colonies that can range in size and shape, often resembling clusters of tiny goblets or vases.
Entoprocta are filter feeders, using their lophophore to extract food particles such as plankton from the water column. Once food is captured and ingested, the particles pass through the digestive system, where nutrients are extracted, and waste is expelled through the anus located in the center of the lophophore.
While they may seem similar to other organisms, Entoprocta are distinct in their anatomy and feeding mechanisms. Despite their small size and relatively low species diversity, they play an important role in marine ecosystems, especially in nutrient cycling and ecological processes by filtering large amounts of water.
