Dive.Explo360.fr

scientific endorsement
ALEXANDRE MEINESZ

Common salp

Distribution : Mediterranean · 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 of Common salp Habitat
Open water
Depth range of Common salp Depth
1-150 m
Biological group of Common salp Group
Ecological role of 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.

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.
Common salp

Watch this species in filmed dives

Other species — Plankton

Pyrosome 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.