Phronima sedentaria is a type of hyperiid amphipod, or small crustacean, that preys on gelatinous plankton, such as salps. The free-floating organism is equipped with claw-like appendages that slice open its victims, enabling the creature to crawl in and devour the soft tissues from the inside out. It then uses the leftover bits of the prey's body to build a gelatinous protective home, or barrel, where females can deposit their young.
Phronima sedentaria: Somewhere out in the cosmos, there's probably something similar, but big enough to do that to us.
ReplyDeleteInfidel - I really hope not!
DeleteFascinating...
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