Stenolaemata

Taxobox
name = Stenolaemata
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Bryozoa
classis = Stenolaemata
subdivision_ranks = Orders
subdivision =
* Cyclostomatida
* Hederellida (?)
* Trepostomatida
* Cystoporida
* Cryptostomida
* Fenestrida

Stenolaemata are a class of marine bryozoans with tubular [http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/zooid zooids] with strongly calcified walls. They are characterized by a lophophore which is protruded by the action of annular muscles. Most forms lack an operculum. The "Batostoma" genus (member of order Trepostomatida) existed in monticular colonies. Stenolaemata were the predominant bryozoan group during the Paleozoic. Some grew as lacy or fan-like colonies that became important reef builders and in some regions form an abundant component of limestones. Their numbers were greatly reduced during the terminal Permian extinction event.