Avicularia (Lat. Avicula - Bird)

Avicularia (from the Latin Avicula, meaning “bird”) are a group of marine animals from the class Ectoprocta that form specialized individuals in a bryozoan colony. The name of this group comes from their external resemblance to the head of a bird.

Avicularia have the shape of a conical tube, usually measuring from 1 to 3 mm in diameter and up to 6 mm in length. They are located on the surface of bryozoans and can be of different colors, from white to dark brown.

Each avicularia is an individual colony consisting of several grouped cells. They have specialized structures called paddles that are used to filter water for food.

Avicularia are filter feeders, feeding on microscopic organisms such as diatoms and other small organisms that are found in the water. They collect food by filtering it through blades.

Colonies of avicularia can be very large, including several to several hundred or even thousands of individual avicularia. They usually form on seaweed, mollusk shells and other living things, as well as on artificial surfaces such as buoys and anchor chains.

Avicularia play an important role in the ecosystems of seas and oceans, as they are key filters that clean water from microscopic particles. At the same time, avicularia may be vulnerable to environmental pollution and climate change.

Overall, avicularia are amazing marine animals that play an important role in marine ecosystems. Their form and functionality make them unique and interesting objects to explore and study.