Clearly showing why these are called 'lace corals'. This specimen came from the Three Kings Islands.

Live on reefs particularly off the Otago coast. Not only do they live on reefs, but some deep reefs (like those just off the Otago Peninsula) are built of bryozoans!

Feed on plankton and bacteria using a unique ciliated structure called the lophophore.

There are over 6000 species of bryozoans, more than 1000 in N.Z.! They can range from tiny crusts or lentil-shaped colonies to large, tree-like shapes. Bryozoans produce remarkable chemicals and are currently being used in cancer research. Oamaru limestone is made primarily of bryzoan skeletons. (Photo contributed by Abigail Smith)