Shimmering Cook Island Ctenophores
While exploring the deep sea of the Cook Islands using the ROV Little Hercules, we encountered several sparkling ctenophores. Also called comb jellies (thanks to their rows of hair-like cilia), these marine invertebrates are known for their shimmering light shows, sometimes due to bioluminescence, but also by reflecting surrounding light. While true jellyfish have stinging tentacles, their relatives, the ctenophores, use sticky cells to catch prey from the water. This ancient animal group has been swimming Earth's ocean for nearly 525 million years. With their nearly see-through jelly body plan, spotting the individuals against the backdrop of the abyssal plain isn’t always easy, but the close-up is always worth it!
Special thanks to DeepSea (https://www.deepsea.com/ ) for partnering with OET to test their MxD SeaCam imaging system.
Deep-Sea Habitats of the Cook Islands
This 21-day expedition will utilize the ROV, mapping, and telepresence systems of E/V Nautilus to explore previously unsurveyed deep-sea priority areas identified by the management and science community in the Cook Islands.
