Image
Comb jellies such as this Pleurobrachia pileus are common in coastal plankton. They are exclusively carnivorous and prey on smaller animal plankton. Clearly visible here are the eight comb-like rows of cilia (hair-like structures) that propel the animal through the water. Most comb jellies are bioluminescent and will produce bright flashes of light if disturbed.
Te whakamahi i tēnei tūemi
by Peter Batson
This item has been provided for private study purposes (such as school projects, family and local history research) and any published reproduction (print or electronic) may infringe copyright law. It is the responsibility of the user of any material to obtain clearance from the copyright holder.