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Feeling the siphonophlow 〰️

This zippy siphonophore, Chuniphyes moserae, was first described scientifically in 1954. This species belongs to the family Chuniphyidae, but we know relatively little about the animals in this group except that they are all primarily found in the ocean’s midwater and deep-sea zones. ⁠ ⁠ Siphonophores are colonial animals arranged in chains that, in some species, can be dozens of meters long. The members of a colony specialize in different tasks. Some form swimming bells, which pulse slowly, pulling the colony through the water like a long, fluid freight train. Others specialize in feeding and sport stinging tentacles.

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This little siphonophore has a big impact on deep-sea food webs.⁠

⁠Siphonophores (pronounced “sigh-fawn-oh-fours”) are delicate drifters made up of specialized segments that work together as one. These animals are like living commuter trains. Pulsing bells up front pull a long chain of segments specialized for feeding, defense, and reproduction.⁠

Siphonophores are deadly beauties—they cast a net of tentacles to snare prey and are important predators in ocean ecosystems. In Monterey Bay, the common siphonophore (Nanomia bijuga) is one of the principal predators of krill. At times, this species can be quite abundant. Combined, the numerous Nanomia eat more krill than all the whales that gather to feast in the bay’s fertile waters.⁠

This small siphonophore—only about 30 centimeters (12 inches) long—is a sit-and-wait predator. It casts stinging tentacles that are lined with knobby tips. Those bumpy bits resemble tiny shrimp-like creatures, making tasty bait for hungry plankton. But Nanomia is not a very patient predator. If nothing comes along in a few minutes, it retracts its tentacles and swims to another spot to try again. Learn more about these delicate drifters on our Creature feature.