Suculeolaria veronica

Captured on video in midwater, this siphonophore is coiled into its fishing posture, with nematocyst-loaded (stinging) tentacles dangling to entangle unwary prey. This behavior was unknown before such animals could be observed, undisturbed, in their own realm from manned submersibles and by remotely operated vehicles equipped with cameras. Modern technology has vastly increased our understanding of life in the depths of the ocean, but still this largest living space on Earth is mostly unexplored. Image courtesy of Larry Madin, WHOI.

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