SIPHONOPHORES

Siphonophores, despite their fragile bodies which may break under the smallest forces, are predators. Currently, there are about 175 identified species of Siphonophores. Not only are Siphonophores known for their bioluminescence and their orange or red digestive system which may be seen through their transparent tissue, but they are also known to be some of the longest animals on Earth. Some may stretch to 40 meters. Siphonophores are located in various depths in the ocean. For example, the Portuguese Man o’ War is usually found floating at the surface of the ocean while other Siphonophores stay at the very bottom of the ocean. These deep Siphonophores are usually the ones with orange or red digestive systems that you can see. Siphonophores are colonial organisms meaning that they are composed of hundred of individual zooids. Zooids are organized bodies which move independently within an organism. In siphonophores, the zooids are attached together rather that independent. The two types of zooids are medusae and polyps.

In siphonophores, zooids take on specific responsibilities. For example, the medusae, which are responsible for allowing siphonophores to swim through water, aren’t helping in eating.

This is a sweet vid of a siphonophore. Check it out

http://siphonophores.org/index.php