A. Ricciardi et Hm. Reiswig, TAXONOMY, DISTRIBUTION, AND ECOLOGY OF THE FRESH-WATER BRYOZOANS (ECTOPROCTA) OF EASTERN CANADA, Canadian journal of zoology, 72(2), 1994, pp. 339-359
The freshwater Bryozoa (Ectoprocta) are one of the most poorly known f
aunal groups in Canada. A recent survey of 80 freshwater habitats in e
astern Canada (from Ontario to Newfoundland) revealed 14 species of br
yozoans, representing 56% of described species in North America. The g
reatest numbers of species and specimens were found in alkaline waters
(pH 7.0-9.8) near lake outflows, wherever hard substrates were presen
t. Paludicella articulata, Cristatella mucedo, Fredericella indica, an
d Plumatella fungosa are among the most frequently encountered, widely
distributed, and eurytopic species. Pottsiella erecta and Plumatella
fruticosa are rare, and new to eastern Canada. Lophopodella carteri, a
n exotic Asian species discovered in Lake Erie in the early 1930s, has
become firmly established in the lower Ottawa and upper St. Lawrence
rivers. Detailed notes on taxonomy, morphology, distribution, and ecol
ogy are given for each bryozoan. New limits of tolerance to water temp
erature, pH, and calcium and magnesium hardness are established for se
veral species. A taxonomic key to the freshwater bryozoans of eastern
Canada, including a key to statoblast types, is presented for the firs
t time.