Giant siphonophore

Life history

A single siphonophore is actually a colonial animal made up of a string of zooids that are arranged in a distinct pattern. Zooids are specialized animals that are part of a larger colony, developing through budding or division.

Each zooid has their own part to play in the larger colony, with specialities like swimming, reproduction, feeding, and defense. Each type of zooid is dependent on the others for their collective survival, functioning together to form a single organism. Giant siphonophore zooids continue to bud throughout the lifecycle, adding new zooids over time so the chain grows longer and longer. 

Traversing the twilight zone

The giant siphonophore takes part in the largest animal migration on earth twice per day–a phenomenon known as diel vertical migration. Each night, billions of animals migrate from the ocean’s twilight zone to the ocean’s surface to feed under the cover of darkness. Then, as the sun rises, these deep-sea voyagers return to their home in the depths.

At the very tip of the giant siphonophore is a gas-filled structure called a pneumatophore that helps this colonial creature undertake this long journey to the surface to feed.  gas expands as pressure alleviates. Gas is released from the pneumatophore to help the giant siphonophore adjust to these conditions and control their buoyancy as they swim. 

Conversely, the gas in the pneumatophore is compressed as the giant siphonophore dives deeper into the ocean after feeding at the surface at night. They then add air to the pneumatophore chamber to adjust to the increased pressure.

Scientific studies suggest that the pneumatophore may also have sensory functions, such as helping the siphonophore manage orientation and depth.

Conservation

Anything that finds its way into the ocean—whether it's tossed away as trash or washed off a beach or boat—eventually makes its way to the deep sea. The deep sea isn't as far away as it seems. Our worlds our intertwined, and wondrous creatures of the deep like the giant siphonophore are affected by what we do at the surface.

Cool facts

• This siphonophore can grow to lengths of 130 feet (40 m), longer than the blue whale, which is usually considered Earth's largest animal. But the siphonophore's body is not much bigger around than a broomstick.

Datos interesantes

• Este sifonóforo puede alcanzar longitudes de hasta 130 pies (40 m), más largo que la ballena azul, que generalmente se considera el animal más grande de la Tierra. Sin embargo, el cuerpo del sifonóforo no es mucho más grueso que un palo de escoba.