Coolest critter ever (Glaucus Atlanticus)

[jason the filter freak]

So unless you live under a rock you've probably seen this before but thought I'd share anyway for those who don't spend entirely too much time on the internet.

 

 

<object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="

name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></param><embed src="

type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="640" height="385"></embed></object>

 

<object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="

name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></param><embed src="

type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="640" height="385"></embed></object>

The atlanticus is the larger relative of the marginate. Roughly 5 - 8 centimeters in length, this little creature spends its time living off the east and south coasts of South Africa. It has six appendages, called cerata (dorsal and lateral limb-type structures) that fan out from its sexually indifferent body (they are hermaphrodites, which means they have both female and male parts). Additionally these mini-beasts secrete a venom that can take down larger sea creatures, such as the famous Portuguese Man o' War. Seen below in the video. (needs citation)

[Jan]

Hundreds on the shore of a beach in NSW.....very pretty

[epleeds]

those are cool. too bad they are very poisonous. probably do more damage than paly stew.

[DDiver]

totally awesome looking....never seen them before so i guess i have been under a rock..

[L8 2 RISE]

I live under a rock

[Coral Hind]

Very cool looking. Once I saw the picture I wanted one but after some reading I changed my mind quickly.

,

Some info from WWM.

 

"floats around the water surface upside down and is known to feed on Portuguese man-of-war (Physalia spp.). By the way, this creature is capable of delivering a nasty sting thanks to its ability to store the Physalia venom, so whatever you do, avoid all skin contact!"

 

"specialized diet and will not survive long in captivity"

[Incredible Corals]

Looks like a fish lure. I wonder if it would catch me a nice bass.

[Origami]

Here are 'clean' links to the two videos that were initially pointed at:

 

 

[Biscuit]

wow, never seen those before. pretty wild lookin creature.

[truestelf]

never seen whatever it is before...

[lowsingle]

Really cool, I've never seen those before as well.....thanks for sharing.....

 

cheers,

Darren