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scientific endorsement
ALEXANDRE MEINESZ

Pterotrachea

In Dive.Explo360: Mediterranean

Seeing Pterotrachea while diving is often a privilege, as it blends so well with the surrounding water. Its crystal-clear body, with a single fin and large, dark eyes, drifts or swims in the open sea. This discreet predator catches small gelatinous prey in the heart of the pelagic world.

Habitat de Pterotrachea Habitat
Open water
Profondeur de Pterotrachea Depth
1-200 m
Groupe biologique de Pterotrachea Group
Plankton
Rôle écologique de Pterotrachea Role
Predator

WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?

This Pterotrachea is a mollusc entirely adapted to life in open water. Its elongated, transparent body makes it almost invisible in the water column. It has a clearly differentiated head with two large, pigmented eyes, often dark and easily visible. The body tapers towards the rear and lacks a shell. A ventral fin, formed from the modified foot, allows it to move actively by swimming freely.

WHERE DOES IT LIVE?

It lives exclusively in the pelagic environment, within the water mass, from the surface down to several hundred metres deep. It may sometimes be observed drifting or swimming actively, alone or at low densities, depending on conditions in the water column.

WHAT DOES IT EAT?

It is a carnivorous predator specialised in capturing planktonic organisms, particularly gelatinous ones. It catches prey using an extendable proboscis equipped with a radula, which allows it to grasp and ingest them.

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