A. alternata is a member of the Order Ctenostomata. A. distans is eurythermal . A. distans was most commonly observed attached to rocks in the IRL or in coastal areas. Seagrasses as well as floating macroalgae , provide support for bryozoan colonies. In turn, bryozoans provide habitat for many species of juvenile fishes and their invertebrate prey such as polychaete worms, amphipods and copepods.
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.