Multi-Jet Propulsion in a Colonial Siphonophore (VIDEO)

Marine Biological Laboratory

Caption

This videos shows forward, synchronous swimming by the siphonophore Nanomia bijuga. Note that each nectophore extends the opening (termed the velar aperture) through which a fluid jet generates thrust for the colony. However, the force and angle of nectophore jet production differs between individuals depending on their position within the nectosome.

Credit

Credit: John H. Costello et al (<i>Nature Comm</i>. DOI: 10/1038/ncomms9158, 2015).

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