A bryozoan animal having a comb-like or slit-shaped mouth opening, representing one of the major groups of bryozoa.
From Greek 'kteis' (comb) combined with 'stoma' (mouth). This taxonomic term was established in the 19th century to classify bryozoa species.
Ctenostomes are masters of stealth—they're soft-bodied bryozoa that fold up their tentacles when threatened, unlike their armored cousins, which is why they're less obvious on rocks but just as plentiful!
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