A sea full of stars. Marine hydroids 🎆🔬🌊 . . . #science #biology #microscopy | Science into Images

2.4K views · 169 reactions | This super-stretchy deep-sea hydroid, Branchiocerianthus imperator, has a tiny nudibranch stowaway. Hydroids are part of the same phylum as jellyfish—the Cnidaria. Although most species grow in colonies, there are also solitary benthic hydroids like this giant one that we spotted at nearly 4,000 meters (over 13,000 feet) deep off the Big Sur coast.⁠ See more highlights from our 2019 ROV dives: https://youtu.be/zC2gwYkd5F8 | MBARI | Facebook

1.3K views · 87 reactions | NUDIES OF THE DAY! We found some aeolid #nudibranch on the hydroids of our docks and we filmed them under a magnifying glass. These rare, majestic sea slugs are hard to spot because they are tiny and only grow to a quarter of an inch. They are able to uniquely swallow and adopt the stinging cells of the hydroids that they eat and use them against bigger predators. It’s the little things in life that are the most beautiful! | Gulf Specimen Marine Lab | Facebook