1. Four species of bryozoans which are potential shallow-water foulers have been tested for their tolerance to various salinities.
2. The salinities used in the experiments ranged from 3.75ppt to 37.5ppt and the responses of the zooids in each grade were evaluated.
3. Colonies of
Zoobotryon verticillatum (15-37ppt) and
Membranipora tuberculata (20-37.5ppt) were found to tolerate a wide range of salinities.
4. Colonies of
Bowerbankia gracilis (25-35ppt) and
Vesicularia papuensis (20-30ppt) were found to be moderately euryhaline.
5. The present experimental study supports an earlier ecological inventory on the distribution of bryozoans in the area, demonstrating that the low salinity conditions result in fewer numbers and species.
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