Light micrograph of Lophopus, colony of about 30 individuals. Lophopus is a type of Bryozoan, which is a common inhabitant of freshwater and shallow seas. They are tiny (0.5mm), and occur in sessile colonies with exoskeletons of chitin, protein and calcium carbonate. They are hermaphrodites, with internal fertilization and brood chambers. Their embryo produces a larva which settles and forms a new colony.