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ALEXANDRE MEINESZ

Common salp

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

During a diving stop or drift dive, it is not unusual to encounter a chain of salps floating in the blue. Each salp, transparent as glass, constantly filters water and quietly contributes to marine ecosystem functioning.

Habitat de Common salp Habitat
Open water
Profondeur de Common salp Depth
1-150 m
Groupe biologique de Common salp Group
Plankton
Rôle écologique de Common salp Role
Filter feeder

WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?

The Common salp is a completely transparent organism with an elongated, gelatinous shape, somewhat like a small flexible tube. Inside, a more opaque mass corresponding to its organs can be seen. Although it looks very simple, it has a heart, filtering organs and complete internal organisation. It can live alone or form long chains composed of many interconnected individuals.

WHERE DOES IT LIVE?

A pelagic species, it lives in open water, sometimes near the surface but also at different depths. It may move vertically, often rising towards surface layers at night.

WHAT DOES IT EAT?

It feeds by filtering water. By pumping water through its body, it catches the phytoplankton and microscopic particles it feeds on.

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