Catenicella is a genus of marine bryozoans belonging to the family Catenicellidae. Bryozoans are colonial animals that live in aquatic environments, and Catenicella is no exception. Members of this genus are found in oceans around the world, with a particularly high diversity in the Arctic and Antarctic regions.
Catenicella colonies are made up of tiny, interconnected zooids, each with a circular or oval-shaped operculum (a protective lid that can be closed to protect the animal inside). The colonies form thin sheets or branching structures that attach to hard substrates such as rocks or shells. The colonies themselves can range in color from white to yellow, pink, or brown.
Like other bryozoans, Catenicella zooids are filter feeders, meaning they feed on small particles in the water such as plankton or detritus. They use hair-like structures called cilia to create a current that draws water and food into the colony, where it is captured by specialized feeding structures called lophophores.
There are currently around 60 recognized species of Catenicella, with new species still being discovered and described. Some notable species include:
Catenicella and other bryozoans play important roles in marine ecosystems. They are important contributors to marine biodiversity, providing habitat and food for a variety of other organisms. Some species of Catenicella, such as C. caespitosa, are particularly important in the Arctic and Antarctic regions, where they form large, complex colonies that provide habitat for a wide variety of marine life.
In addition to their ecological importance, some species of Catenicella have also been studied for their potential medical applications. For example, compounds derived from C. elegans have been shown to have antibacterial and antifungal properties, and may have potential as new antibiotics.