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A sea gooseberry drags long, frilly tentacles to catch prey

Sea gooseberry

Hormiphora spp.

Not on exhibit
Animal type
Invertebrates
Ecosystem
Deep sea
Relatives
Comb jellies
Diet
Krill, copepods, other small crustaceans
Range
Worldwide from the surface to 1,100 feet (350 m)
Size
Up to 1.25 inches (3 cm) in length, but varies by species

Meet the sea gooseberry

This drifter casts a line for food. A sea gooseberry drags long, frilly tentacles to catch prey. When tiny plankton touch the tentacles, sticky cells hold tight. Then the jelly reels in the meal and somersaults to bring their mouth closer to their fresh catch.

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