Cellepora

/sɛˈlɛpərə/ noun

Definition

A genus of small marine bryozoans (colonial animals) that form encrusting colonies on rocks and shells, with branched or lobed growth patterns.

Etymology

From Latin cella (cell) plus -pora (from Greek poros, pore or opening). Named for the cell-like pores in the bryozoan colonies.

Kelly Says

Cellepora colonies look like tiny coral but are actually colonies of individual animals called zooids—each zooid is a complete organism sharing food and water with neighbors through tiny pores, like a microscopic city.

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