Flustra is a term that refers to a genus of colonial marine bryozoans, which are small aquatic invertebrates commonly known as moss animals. These bryozoans represent a diverse group of filter-feeding organisms that predominantly inhabit marine environments, such as oceans and seas. "Flustra" specifically pertains to a genus within this group, commonly referred to as the sea mats or lacy colonies.
The genus Flustra comprises numerous species that form delicate and intricate branching colonies, resembling lace-like structures. These colonies consist of multiple individual organisms, called zooids, which are interconnected and share a common skeleton. Each zooid is enclosed within a tiny box-like structure, known as an exotheca, that forms part of the overall colony's architecture.
Flustra colonies are primarily sessile and can be found attached to various substrates, such as rocks, shells, or other submerged surfaces. They often occur in shallow water environments but can also be present in deeper waters. The delicate appearance of Flustra colonies is due to the fine, feathery tentacle-like extensions, called tentacles, which the zooids use to catch and filter food particles from the surrounding water.
The genus Flustra serves ecological roles as filter feeders, as they actively extract microscopic phytoplankton and other organic particles from the water column, contributing to the nutrient cycling within marine ecosystems. Additionally, these colonies also provide structural habitat for other organisms, offering shelter and attachment surfaces for various marine species.
Overall, Flustra represents a genus of marine bryozoans characterized by their lace-like colonies and their crucial contributions to marine ecosystems.
