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ALEXANDRE MEINESZ

Sea butterfly

In Dive.Explo360: Mediterranean · Northeast Atlantic · Atlantic Ocean

Seeing a Sea butterfly on an open-water dive remains a special moment. This delicate translucent mollusc slowly beats its wings to move between currents. Inconspicuous but active, it hunts tiny planktonic animals.

Habitat de Sea butterfly Habitat
Open water
Profondeur de Sea butterfly Depth
1-30 m
Groupe biologique de Sea butterfly Group
Plankton
Rôle écologique de Sea butterfly Role
Predator

WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?

The Sea butterfly is a small translucent mollusc with a gelatinous appearance, often tinged blue. It has two wing-like lateral expansions that allow it to swim by beating slowly through the water. Inside, a central mass, sometimes orange, can be distinguished. Its body extends into a thin, elongated part at the rear.

WHERE DOES IT LIVE?

It lives in open water and forms part of the plankton. It mainly occurs in the water column, often near the surface, where it drifts with currents.

WHAT DOES IT EAT?

It mainly feeds on other small planktonic organisms, captured using specialised structures. Its diet is therefore carnivorous.

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