Description:
Synnotum aegyptiacum forms erect, branching and stolonate colonies that resemble strings of beads. Zooids are scoop-shaped and occur in pairs, back to back along branches, with joints between each pair. Zooids have large frontal areas that are lightly calcified, and measure approximately 0.01 X 0.003 inches on average. Two types of avicularia are present: box-shaped, sessile avicularia located in the distal corners of zooids, and bulbous avicularia located on the dorsal surface. Radicles used for attachment to the substratum may have elaborate hook-like ends. The horseshoe-shaped lophophore which surrounds the mouth measures 0.01 inches in diameter and bears 10 tentacles.

Habitat:
Typical habitats for bryozoans in the Indian River Lagoon include seagrasses, mangrove roots, drift algae, oyster reef, dock, pilings, breakwaters, and man-made debris.  S. aegyptiacum is typically found entangled among hydroid stems, primarily Thyroscyphus and Eudendrium species. It has also been documented to colonize both benthic and floating algae, and may utilize other substrata such as shell fragments and beach rock. It has also been collected from depths of 35 feet from Capron Shoals, Florida.  Colonies are most abundant between October and December.

Range:
S. aegyptiacum is highly cosmopolitan in warm waters. In the western Atlantic, this species is distributed from Cape Hatteras to Brazil.  S. aegyptiacum occurs year-round in the Indian River Lagoon, and at coastal stations.