Common siphonophore
Nanomia septata
- On view
- Into the Deep
- Animal type
- Invertebrates
- Ecosystem
- Deep sea
- Relatives
- Other siphonophores; Order: Siphonophorae
- Diet
- Small crustacean zooplankton
- Range
- Worldwide from the surface to 6,600 ft. (2,000 m)
- Size
- 12 inches (30 cm) in length
Meet the common siphonophore
This animal swims to the surface to feed and sets fine tentacles adrift like fishing lines. The tips resemble tiny shrimplike creatures—a tasty bait. The predator lies in wait, then reels in its prey.
Up next in deep sea
Animal
Tower jelly
See that dangling fringe? Those tentacles catch and sweep bits of food into the tower jelly’s bell.
Keep exploring
Animal
Giant siphonophore
When startled, the giant siphonophore glows with bright blue light.