Nary a dull moment at Goat Harbor

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Nary a dull moment at Goat Harbor

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Posted by Merry on February 24, 2012 at 09:20:59:

Salp species, small comb jellies, tiny medusas, and the magnificent siphonophore, Apolemia, constantly appeared throughout our dive.

Apolemia is actually a unique "colony" made up of 9 highly specialized structures that function together as a single organism (or superorganism). This predator means business.

Stem
Pneumatophore - acts as a self-righting buoy
Nectophores - swimming bells for propulsion
Bracts - shields
Palpons - defense
Gastrozoids - digestive function, with side-branching Tentillae containing powerful, prey-zapping Nematocysts
Gonophores - reproduction

The biggest surprises were, well, the largest surprises. A colossal bat ray vanished as I circled around to get a shot. This angel shark was > 4 ft.

A wentletrap snail - possibly the money wentletrap, Epitonium indianorum. Paul? Kathy?

California phoronid, Phoronopsis californica

Peter Schuchert's siphonophore structure

Follow Ups:

Re: Nary a dull moment at Goat Harbor John Diggby 14:20:12 05/21/16 (0)
Re: Nary a dull moment at Goat Harbor John Schaefer 14:32:52 01/26/15 (0)
Re: Nary a dull moment at Goat Harbor Sheller 23:25:26 02/24/12 (0)

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