Blue button colonies (IMAGE)

University of Tokyo

Blue button colonies

Caption

This photo shows different parts of the (sometimes not-so-blue) blue button: the chitinous float; the mantle; gonozooids, responsible for reproduction; and the dactylozooids, which catch food and defend. Unseen at the center is the gastrozooid, which digests food to provide nutrients to the whole colony.

Credit

2026 D. Wakita et al.

Usage Restrictions

Credit must be given to the creator. No derivatives or adaptations of the work are permitted.

License

CC BY-ND

Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.