As V. contei is found year-round along the Florida coast and is thus eurythermal . V. contei is typically collected at sites where salinity averages over 30 . V. contei is highly cryptic in its habitat preferences and occurs principally in the roots of hydroids such as Thyroscyphus and Endendrium . It also is found growing on sponges, rocks, breakwaters, and attached to Sargassum . Seagrasses as well as floating macroalgae , provide support for bryozoan colonies.
Bryozoans are ecologically important in the Indian River Lagoon due to their feeding method.
As suspension feeders, they act as living filters in the marine environment.