LAKE OF THE OZARKS, Mo. – Anglers and boaters at Lake of the Ozarks have noticed an uptick in one sticky, clumpy creature.
Missouri Department of Conservation media specialist Francis Skalicky says people shouldn’t worry, though; they’re harmless, gelatinous invertebrates composed of microscopic animals called bryozoans. And they don’t sting or bite.
An entire exoskeleton is constructed by the colonies. People often confuse these organisms with moss, algae, or even freshwater jellyfish. The creatures are actually helpful to all water sources due to their filtering capability.
“They’re not a mystery organism, because we know what they are,” Skalicky told The Heartlander. “At the same time, they do create this head-scratching, ‘What the heck are they?’ reaction whenever people see them. They are not frequently seen.”
Bryozoans attach to immobile objects beneath the surface using a firm and slimy base. As they remain attached, they begin to feed on food items in the water. The way they enhance water quality is exceptionally impressive. In still waters, they filter as they float.
Typically ranging from two to four inches in diameter, they can occasionally reach up to one foot in size. Scientists say these creatures have existed for millions of years, making them one of the earliest fossils.
“They’ve been around for a long time. That is another reason to be impressed by them, because of their longevity. Hats off to their flexibility and endurance. The fact they are still here – it means in their own special way, they’ve been able to adapt and adjust.”
The reason behind the increased sightings at Lake of the Ozarks this summer is still uncertain, but Skalicky suggests they are more commonly seen during late summer when the clumps are at their largest. When water recedes, bryozoans become more noticeable, as they are revealed on the hard object they have attached to.
These invertebrates have a tendency to attach themselves to boat water intake valves or other water equipment. Skalicky says it is OK to remove bryozoans if they are disturbing your personal items.
Removing sections of the colony could result in its partial death, but regeneration is possible. The creatures are not at risk of becoming endangered, and exist across the entire world.
According to the National Library of Medicine, bryozoans contain bryostatins, polyketides and alkaloids, which have demonstrated medicinal properties in possibly treating diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and cancer, and even stroke damage.
Furthermore, the organism displays properties that are both antiviral and antiparasitic. Ongoing research is currently being conducted.
