Statoblast

[Charles Krebs]

This is a Bryozoan statoblast. It is a cyst that can survive over the winter and begin a new Bryozoan colony when conditions permit. The little anchor shaped hooks really cling to things and allow the statoblast to hitch a ride on vegatation or animals.

This was the first one I've seen, and it was not in the greatest condition. Only two or three of the hooks were in decent shape, so I took a few darkfield shots concentrating on them.

[rjlittlefield]

Charlie, your photos are beautiful, and as usual with beautiful photos, I scurried off to see what else I could find about these beasts.

Others may be interested in one or two of the links I found. http://ebiomedia.com/gall/micronat/bryozoan.html has excellent photos and description of a statoblast hatching and what happens after that. And http://www2u.biglobe.ne.jp/~gen-yu/pectinatella_e.html has a picture of several whole statoblasts, apparently under a dissecting scope.

Thanks for the continued stimulation!

--Rik

PS. I'm still unclear about the structure of the hooks. Are they 3D, like mushrooms, and I'm looking at a cross-section? Or are they more planar, like coathooks?

[Charles Krebs]

Hi Rik... more planar like coathooks.

[Ken Ramos]

Haven't been getting around over here much lately, sorry. What is that thing? Looks like a c.s. of a little mushroom. A statoblast! For sure I have a few stuck on me somewhere. Still can't get over the striking images you guys are producing over here. Excellent!
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Kenneth Ramos
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Kens Microscopy
Reposts of my images within the galleries are welcome, as are constructive critical critiques.

[discomorphella]

Hi Charlie--

Beautiful and informative (as usual). Where'd you find the Byrozoans? I've searched for them but haven't found any colonies yet.

--David

[Charles Krebs]

David... found this single specimen in a sample jar taken from Lake Sammamish here in Issaquah yesterday.