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Lightbulb siphonophore with glowing blue float and long bioluminescent tentacles in dark water

Lightbulb siphonophore

Rosacea sp.

Not on exhibit
Animal type
Invertebrates
Ecosystem
Deep sea
Relatives
Other siphonophores; Order: Siphonophorae
Diet
Small crustaceans
Range
Worldwide (except for polar waters) from the surface to 13,000 ft. (4,000 m)
Size
Up to 6.5 feet (2 m)

Meet the lightbulb siphonophore

This animal drifts with the currents and drags deadly tentacles to lure a bite. If food is scarce, the lightbulb siphonophore pulls in their tentacles. Then they pulse those two swimming bells up top to move on to new fishing grounds.

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