Monster zooids in Cryptosula pallasiana (bryozoa, cheilostomata ascophora)

Abstract

In the ascophoran bryozoan Cryptosula pallasiana (Moll) many examples of regenerative growth and of "abnormal" zooids have been observed. Most of the different forms of "monsters" are caused by fusion of zooids or zooid buds respectively. Zooids may often fuse laterally but in a few cases also distally. Some "monster zooids" have two polypides and "combined opercula" caused by various degrees of fusion of the apertures. Lack of sufficient space may lead to the formation of "dwarf zooids" or "remainder cystids". © 1977 Biologischen Anstalt Helgoland.