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Story: Marine animals without backbones

Comb jelly

Comb jelly

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.

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Photograph by Peter Batson

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How to cite this page:

Dennis Gordon and Maggy Wassilieff. 'Marine animals without backbones', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, updated 24-Sep-11
URL: http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/marine-animals-without-backbones/1/5