August 3, 2021: Ctenophore
Image courtesy NOAA Ocean Exploration, Windows to the Deep 2019. Download larger version (jpg, 764 KB).
This ctenophore was seen during midwater exploration conducted after a dive exploring the seafloor on the Blake Escarpment as part of the Windows to the Deep 2019 expedition. The iridescent greens and blues along the outer edge are caused by light from the remotely operated vehicle refracting off the hundreds of combs, or ctenes, that the ctenophore uses to swim in the water column. These ctenes are made up of many fused flagella. Ctenophores are the largest animals to use flagella as their primary means of movement.