Distribution: This colonial predator is well known across the entire North Atlantic ocean. It is well adapted to a life in deep waters, but appears occasionally in large numbers close to the surface. It is appears along the entire Norwegian coast. The frequency of appearance seems to vary from year to year.
Characteristics: The colony can reach a length of several meters. In one end of the colony there is a inflatable structure for buoyancy control. Following the float, a large number of swimming bells form a 5-20 cm long thickening of the colony. The swimming bells are individual animals that provide propulsion to the colony. Their pulsating movements are coordinated through a common network of nerves.
Along the thread that binds the colony together there are different kinds of specialized animals. Some digest food, while others are use stinging tentacles to catch their prey. They hand the food over to the "stomachs" that swallow and digest the food, and thus provide nutrition for the entire colony.
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(Kongensvoll - South-Trøndelag / 19 meters / 10.12.2001)