General Information ^{1 2}

Lophophorates are aquatic invertebrates. They have a ring of ciliated, hollow tentacles called a lophophore, which is used for feeding, respiration, and defense. The digestive tract is U-shaped, with the mouth within the ring of the lophophore, and the anus outside.

KNOWN SPECIES

4,300 to 5,000

SIZE RANGE

1 millimeter to 50 centimeters

WHERE THEY LIVE

In fresh waters and oceans

ECOLOGICAL ROLES AND HUMAN USES

Filter feeders • A source of potential medicines • Early indicators of environmental change

Lophophorates Links

1. http://members.aol.com/bafiler/Lophophorata.html