Distinguishing Characteristics |
Colony of polyps; branching, bushy, erect; color brownish to yellowish; branching appears somewhat undulating or twisted; branching is bifurcate (splits into 2 branches at each node); tubular polyps called zooids in short, double rows along branches (stolons); zooid rows straight or spiraled at up to a 90° angle along stolons; alternate double rows oriented at about 180° from each other on stolons and nearly touching each other; no extra extensions (terminal processes) at the end of each stolon (past the last zooid row). |
Similar Species |
Other similar bryozoans have different degrees of zooid spiraling around the stolon, usually greater than 100° (only 0-90° in A. alternata). Other bryozoans may also have more than 2 branches at each node (3 or 4), extensions (terminal processes) at the end of each branch (past the last zooid), and zooid rows that are oriented approximately 30° from each other (about 180° in A. alternata) and are much further apart (not nearly touching). |
Habitat |
Gulf and bay, usually attached to a substrate, hardened or otherwise |
Maximum Size |
30 cm (12 in) |
Other Common Names |
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Previous Scientific Names |
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