This delicate ctenophore almost always requires a remotely operated vehicle for proper observation.
Lobate Ctenophore
Image courtesy of the NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration and Research, Exploring Puerto Rico’s Seamounts, Trenches, and Troughs. Download image (jpg, 10 KB).

This delicate ctenophore almost always requires a remotely operated vehicle for proper observation. So delicate it usual breaks apart upon contact with traditional net sampling, this ctenophore is a lobate ctenophore. It contracts its lobes to push on the water and propel itself forward. These same lobes serve a prey capture function as well.

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