Dive.Explo360.fr

scientific endorsement
ALEXANDRE MEINESZ

Pyrosome

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

Encountering a Pyrosome in open water is a memorable observation. This translucent colony drifts slowly with currents and can light up in darkness. Each small individual filters plankton while the whole functions like a single floating organism.

Habitat de Pyrosome Habitat
Open water
Profondeur de Pyrosome Depth
1-900 m
Groupe biologique de Pyrosome Group
Plankton
Rôle écologique de Pyrosome Role
Filter feeder

WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?

The Pyrosome is a translucent colony shaped like a hollow tube, sometimes flexible and gelatinous. It consists of many small individuals called zooids arranged around the wall. When stimulated, the whole colony can produce visible light, giving the impression of a luminous tube in the water.

WHERE DOES IT LIVE?

It is an open-water organism living far from the seabed. It moves through the water column and makes vertical movements, often rising towards the surface at night.

WHAT DOES IT EAT?

Each zooid filters water to capture very small particles, mainly phytoplankton and suspended organic matter.

GO FURTHER WITH AMIGANSEAU

Unlock the full profile

Deepen your knowledge with the exclusive chapters and interactive resources included in an AMIGANSEAU licence.

Choose my licence
  • HOW DOES IT REPRODUCE?
  • OUR OBSERVATIONS
  • UNDERSTAND THE SPECIES

Also included in the full profile

  • Advanced navigation between description, ecological context, observations and behaviour
  • Interactive food chain to explore the species’ feeding relationships
  • Infographic and illustrated summary profile
An active licence gives access to enriched profiles and AMIGANSEAU exploration tools.

Other species — Plankton

Common salp Beroe Comb Jelly Venus' Girdle Pterotrachea Comb jelly Sea butterfly Siphonophore

Same habitat and depth

Open-water species

Same ecological role and depth

Filter-feeding species

🧠 Understand the species

What is this species’ ecological role?

AMIGANSEAU Explorer Premium

Access enriched species profiles with advanced content (audio, infographics and detailed articles).

Explore all species easily through a single interface.

Enjoy a smooth, fast learning experience suited to every level.

🔒 The full profile is available with a paid subscription only.

Discover licences
DEPTH HABITAT PHYLA ECOLOGICAL ROLE

From recognition to understanding

After recognising a marine species, watch it in its environment in the diving videos. Articles and learning paths help you understand its habitat and its relationships with other organisms; games help you remember your discoveries.