Sea Swallow

The Sea Swallow (Glaucus atlanticus) belongs to the Opisthobranchia order of molluscs. It floats on the sea’s surface by trapping air bubbles in its stomach. It preys primarily on the dangerous Portuguese man-of-war (Physalia physalia). In the process, it ingests the man-of-war’s stinging cells and retains them for its own defence.

G. M. Branch, Zoology Department/University of Cape Town

Appears in these articles

Sea Swallow; Mollusc

*	Available exclusively through Encarta software products. Join Now