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The Nonindigenous Occurrences section of the NAS species profiles has a new structure. The section is now dynamically updated from the NAS database to ensure that it contains the most current and accurate information. Occurrences are summarized in Table 1, alphabetically by state, with years of earliest and most recent observations, and the tally and names of drainages where the species was observed. The table contains hyperlinks to collections tables of specimens based on the states, years, and drainages selected. References to specimens that were not obtained through sighting reports and personal communications are found through the hyperlink in the Table 1 caption or through the individual specimens linked in the collections tables.

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Common name: ambiguous bryozoan

Synonyms and Other Names: Anquinella palmata

Taxonomy: available through www.itis.gov

Identification: There has been much debate over the correct taxonomy of Bryozoans. Presented are some of the taxonomic schemes in recent and current use:

• Phylum: Bryozoan; Class: Gymnolaemata; Order: Ctenostomata; Suborder Victorellina; Superfamily: Victorellidea; Family: Nolellidae. (Bryozoan Home Page 1999)
• Phylum: Ectoprocta; Class: Gymnolaemata; Order: Ctenostomata; Suborder: Carnosa; Superfamily: Paludicelloidea; Family: Nolellidae (ITIS Database 1998)

Colony erect branching forming a dense grey-brown muddy tuft up to 100 mm in hight. Zooiods cylindrical with 10-11 tentacles, budded directly from each (Hayward and Ryland 1995:657). Found in salinities down to 13 ppt (Osburn 1944; Prenand and Bobin 1956).

Size: Zooiods to 1.5 mm.

Native Range: An Atlantic species known from England, Netherlands, Belgium, and France in the eastern Atlantic; and from Massachusetts to Florida and Puerto Rico in the western Atlantic. Also known from Brazil (Cohen and Carlton 1995).

Alaska	Hawaii	Puerto Rico & Virgin Islands	Guam Saipan

Hydrologic Unit Codes (HUCs) Explained
Interactive maps: Point Distribution Maps

Means of Introduction: Ballast water or ship fouling (Cohen and Carlton 1995).

Status: Established.

Impact of Introduction: The impacts of this species are currently unknown, as no studies have been done to determine how it has affected ecosystems in the invaded range. The absence of data does not equate to lack of effects. It does, however, mean that research is required to evaluate effects before conclusions can be made.

References: (click for full references)

Bryozoan Home Page. Edited by Phil Block. Page updated 5 November 1999; page accessed 16 December 1999.

Cohen, A. N. and J.T. Carlton. 1995. Nonindigenous Aquatic Species in a United States Estuary: A Case Study of the Biological Invasions of the San Francisco Bay and Delta. A Report for the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Washington, D.C. and The National Sea Grant College Program Connecticut Sea Grant Program. 272 pp.

Hayward, P.J. and J.S. Ryland. 1995. Handbook of the Marine Fauna of North-West Europe. Oxford University Press Inc., New York.

ITIS Database. Integrated Taxonomic Information System Database. Last updated: 3 July 1998; Anguinella palmata page, accessed 16 December 1999.

Osburn, R.C. 1944. A Survey of the Bryozoa of Chesapeake Biological Laboratory, Solomon Islands, Maryland, 59 pp.

Prenant, M.and G. Bobin. 1956. Faune de France: 60. Bryozoaires, Part 1, Entoproctes, Phylactolemes, Ctenostomes. Librairie de la Faculte des Sciences, Paris, 398 pp.

Author: Danny O'Connell, and Pam Fuller

This information is preliminary or provisional and is subject to revision. It is being provided to meet the need for timely best science. The information has not received final approval by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and is provided on the condition that neither the USGS nor the U.S. Government shall be held liable for any damages resulting from the authorized or unauthorized use of the information.