Portuguese man-of-war (Physalia utriculus). Also known as a bluebottle,it is not one organism,instead being a colony of hydrozoan animals. Members of the colony have distinct roles. One individual forms the float (upper frame),which is filled with a mixture of nitrogen and carbon monoxide. Individual called gastrozooids are responsible for digesting food and passing it to the rest of the colony. Prey is captured by dactylozooids,which comprises a large stinging tentacle. Reproduction is carried out by gonozooids. The colony is planktonic,being carried around by ocean currents. It inhabits warm waters | |
Licence : | Droits gérés |
Crédit: | Science Photo Library / Douwma, Georgette |
Taille de l’image : | 3390 px × 5071 px |
Model Release : | Non requis |
Property Release : | Non requis |
Restrictions : | - |