Most of bryozoans (Stenolaemata, Gymnolaemata) are marine, but some are exclusively freshwater. Phylactolaemata are the freshwater bryozoans. Freshwater bryozoan species are small in number, being only about 50 species.
Bryozoans in general are found in all types of hard substrates: rocks, wood, blades of kelp, pipes and ships, and shells. There are some bryozoan colonies which grow on sediments.
They can be found in shallow waters or at depths of 8,200m. And although many bryozoans are sessile there a very colonial and non-colonial bryozoans that can move and creep about.
All bryozoans are suspension feeders. Zooids use the ciliated tentacles to filter phytoplankton and other diatoms.
Below is a video showing a bryozoan feeding.
Credits to GirlScientist from youtube.com
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