free-swimming

[ free-swim-ing ]

/ ˈfriˈswɪm ɪŋ /

(of aquatic organisms) not attached to a base nor joined in a colony; capable of swimming about freely.

Origin of free-swimming

First recorded in 1890–95

The Siphonophora are all free-swimming, and are frequently called Oceanic Hydrozoa.

Colouration in Animals and Plants |Alfred Tylor
In its early stages this creature is free-swimming and looks not unlike other young crabs.

Insects and Diseases |Rennie W. Doane
Only the free-swimming Copelata or Appendicularia among the Tunicates retain most of these features.

The Last Link |Ernst Haeckel
It reproduces by giving rise to many little buds, ciliated on the upper surface like free-swimming, hypotrichous infusoria.

The Biological Problem of To-day |Oscar Hertwig

Both sexes become mature in this free-swimming stage (Fig. 73, C, D), and impregnation is effected.

The Life of Crustacea |William Thomas Calman

free-swimming

(of aquatic animals or larvae) not sessile or attached to any object and therefore able to swim freely in the water

free-swimmer, noun