Four Families

Within the kamptozoan phylum there are four families. The Loxosomatidae are solitary with most living in association with other marine invertebrates. The distinguish feature of this family is the presents of a tall anal cone with elevates the anus. The Loxokalypodidae are solitary as well, with the stalk possessing muscle fibers throughout its length. The Pedicellinidae are colonial and have numerous unsegmented stalks arising horizontally from one stolon or form upright branching stems. This is shown in the above picture. The larvae of this family undergo complex metamorphosis. The Barentsiidae are colonial as well, and have a stalk which is divided into segments. The proximal and distal segments are muscular, but intervening segments lack muscles.