Siphonophores are gelatinous and fragile, so they are frequently damaged using standard sampling methods (mainly nets), disintegrating into nothing. Studying this aspect of siphonophore morphology may provide insight into the development of specialized systems in organisms and eventually lead to breakthroughs in medical research for conditions like cancer. This specialization is fascinating because it is similar to the evolution of specialized functions at other biological organization levels, for example, cells in multicellular organisms. Further, the individuals are arranged in repetitive species-specific patterns along the stem. However, in Siphonophores, each individual is specialized for a particular function, such as swimming or feeding. Colonialism in Cnidarians tends to comprise many genetically identical multicellular individuals (zooids) that are physiologically integrated. For example, colonialism in siphonophores is markedly different from other Cnidarians. Siphonophores are exceptionally interesting, and we still have so much to learn about them. Perhaps the most well-known siphonophore, the Portuguese man-o-war, lives on the surface of the ocean, with tentacles that can extend 30 m into the water column. Most species are active swimmers, although there are some exceptions. This beautiful siphonophore was seen close to the ocean bottom on an unnamed seamount just outside Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration and Research The massive siphonophore seen on the #NingalooCanyons expedition may be the longest animal ever seen. They are usually translucent, but some deepwater species have characteristic orange or red digestive systems, and many species are bioluminescent when disturbed. Many siphonophores are long and thin, with some species as long as 40 m-making these the longest animals in the world. So far, scientists have described 175 species of siphonophores, but because the deep ocean is still largely unexplored, each new venture into the depths brings the possibility of new discoveries. They are carnivorous and colonial-mostly existing in the depths of the oceans. Siphonophores, like corals, anemones, and true jellies, are Cnidarians. A fiery siphonophore observed during an ROV dive off Northeast Fraser Island ROV SuBastian/SOI Dhugal Lindsay virtually along for the ride to explain that the fiery siphonophore was likely of the genus Marrus-possibly Marrus orthocanna – that has found its way south or Marrus antarcticus that has been swept north. The Falkor team and viewers alike were awed by this “dragon-like” creature that looked as if it were on fire. During the first dive of the voyage, the Falkor Crew happened upon a bright, orange-red jelly seemingly feeding in a vast cloud of mucus.
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