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Biofouling is one of the major means of introducing organisms in to new marine environments.
Bryozoans form the major component of the biofouling community. There is dearth of
information on their presence in our waters. Therefore, systematic description on existing
biofouling species in Sri Lankan coastal region is very essential. This paper describes the
composition of bryozoans of the class Gymnolaemata with a description of two new species
recorded from coastal waters of Sri Lanka.
The study was conducted in Colombo Port, one of the busiest ports in the country as well as in
the region with an increased vulnerability for the introduction of geographically distinct species
along with increased shipping operations. Monthly samples were collected from eight sampling
stations using artificial settlement collectors which consisted of rope backbone supporting a
number of horizontal PVC pipe arms that were attached to the settlement surfaces. The
collectors were submerged systematically where first level was 1m below the water surface
and others setting at 1m intervals. Species were identified microscopically observing fine
morphological features. Scoring percentage covered by each bryozoan was determined using a
quadrat (400 squares each with 5mm x 5mm area).
During the study, seven species of the class Gymnolaemata were recorded namely; Electra
bengalensis, Hippoprina indica, Celleporaria volsella, Parasmittina sp., Schiporella errata,
Watersipora subtorquata and Sinoflustra annae. According to the One way ANOVA test there
is a significant difference (p<0.05) between each sampling location for species richness and
total percentage cover. However, there was no significant difference (p>0.05) between four
sampling depths for species richness and total percentage cover.
Two new bryozoans identified were Sinoflustra annae and Electra bengalensis. Percentage
cover of S. annae and E. bengalensis ranged from 1-18% and 0.3-40% respectively. Among
these, E. bengalensis was recorded in all sampling stations yet S. annae was recorded only in
CICT, BQ, OP and UCT. Though, these species are native to India, there are no published
literatures for the presence of Sri Lankan coastal waters. Therefore, present finding will be the
first record for their presence in Sri Lanka.
