Bryozoans, also known as moss animals, are small, aquatic invertebrates that typically form colonies. They are found in both marine and freshwater environments and can be recognized by their intricate, lace-like structures. Each individual bryozoan, called a zooid, is usually only a few millimeters in size and works together with others in the colony to filter feed on plankton and organic particles. These organisms have a unique way of reproducing, often through asexual budding, which allows them to expand their colonies. Bryozoans play an important role in aquatic ecosystems, providing habitat for other species and contributing to the overall biodiversity of their environments.