Gelatinous Substance on Pontoons ?????

[WillyBWright]

This year we've been noticing a clearish gelatinous substance stuck to some aluminum pontoons. They're kept on Lake Wisconsin and in the Wisconsin River. It resembles blobs of Silicone Sealer but clearer and not so firm. One blob was about the size of a soccer ball, but most are much smaller. It doesn't appear to be roe. What is it???

 

[trog100]

Re: Gelatinous Substance on Pontoons ?????

got to be some humour in this one somewhere.. he he<br /><br />silicone like blobs the size of a football.. hmmm.. <br /><br />trog

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: Gelatinous Substance on Pontoons ?????

Now that you mention it, it would make a fairly convincing filler for breast implants. Maybe I should contact DOW/Corning. <br /><br />I'm thinking it's a biological deposit of some sort, but what? It doesn't stink except for the algae that sticks to the outside of it.

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: Gelatinous Substance on Pontoons ?????

Squid eggs are a gelatinous substance and they are layed in clusters, you got squid in Wisconsin ?

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: Gelatinous Substance on Pontoons ?????

Can they live in freshwater? You never know what some tourist might transplant with contaminated bilgewater. There's Flying Carp knocking on Lake Michigan's door as we speak.

 

[TwoBallScrewBall]

Re: Gelatinous Substance on Pontoons ?????

It's the elusive freshwater pontoon sucking jellyfish. Crikey!

 

[bayman]

Re: Gelatinous Substance on Pontoons ?????

I would ask the local fish and wildlife service. They usually know this stuff as well as anyone.

 

[bayman]

Re: Gelatinous Substance on Pontoons ?????

It might be Bryozoa, or moss animals.<br /><br />"Different species form colonies that range in appearance from delicate wispy moss-like growths to basketball-size gelatinous masses."<br /><br />Some photos here:<br /> http://www.westol.com/~towhee/reptiles.htm <br /><br />More articles:<br /> http://www.millermicro.com/bryozoa.html <br /> http://www.bio.umass.edu/biology/conn.river/bryozoa.html <br /> http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wq/plants/plantid2/descriptions/bryozoan.html <br /> http://www.magma.ca/~syatabe/water_brains/water_brains.html

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: Gelatinous Substance on Pontoons ?????

I think you nailed it. Bryozoa ... ya learn something new every day. Excellent links. Thanks!!!

 

[trog100]

Re: Gelatinous Substance on Pontoons ?????

Willy u just be carefull them Zoids dont get ya.. he he..<br /><br />wierd looking things aint they..<br /><br />trog

 

[phatmanmike]

Re: Gelatinous Substance on Pontoons ?????

is it chocolate pudding?