MacroWorld

Siphonophore - Physophora Hydrostatica

Characteristics:

This beautiful siphonophore colony can reach a total length of 8-12 cm. The float, shaped like a series of bells on top of each other, constitute a significant fraction of the total colony length. In the bottom of the float there is a gas-emitting pore used to control the buoyancy of the colony. The banana-shaped, orange or violet colored tentacles may cause painful stings. At the base of the float, there are long threads packed with small animals with specialized tasks in the colony.

Habitat:

This siphonophore, sometimes called the hula skirt siphonophore, is known as a deep-sea species, but like all other slow-swimmers, currents may bring it to the surface.

http://www.seawater.no/fauna/cnidaria/hydrostatica.html