Jelly-like siphonophores astound with their breathtaking beauty

Siphonophores are colonial jelly-like creatures made up of specialized segments that work together as one. They may not be familiar to most, but they’re abundant animals in the ocean. In fact, siphonophores are some of the most important predators in ocean ecosystems. Scientists have described some 175 siphonophore species. Most follow a similar body plan—a gas-filled float provides buoyancy, swimming bells propel the colony, and a central stem bears specialized parts for feeding, defense, and reproduction. From the surface to the seafloor, the ocean is home to many extraordinary siphonophores. These are some of the most stunning species we’ve encountered. Featured in this video (name in order of appearance, plus depth and location information): 0:00 Feather boa siphonophore (Erenna richardi) | 1,354 meters (4,442 feet) | Greater Monterey Bay area 0:22 Red siphonophore (Marrus claudanielis) | 1,142 meters (3,747 feet) | Davidson Seamount 0:39 Red-grooved siphonophore (Apolemia rubriversa) | 79