Sea slug. Glaucus atlanticus. Undated Drawing signed by Enrique Casanova (1896) by Enrique casanovaAquário Vasco da Gama, where the dive begins
Invertebrates appeared in the sea many millions of years ago and evolved slowly, giving rise to a great diversity of beings with progressively more complex morphological characteristics.
Snakelocks anemone. Anemonia sulcata (2014) by Paula MachazAquário Vasco da Gama, where the dive begins
Although they look like aquatic flowers, anemones Anemonia sulcata are very common animals in the tidal zone, where they attach themselves to rocks at the base.
Finger shaped sea pen. Veretillum cynomorium. (2009) by Paula MachazAquário Vasco da Gama, where the dive begins
The sea carrot Veretillum cynomorium is a colonial animal that lives on sandy bottoms.
On a large, fleshy central polyp, small polyps are arranged laterally, with stinging tentacles to capture the zooplankton on which it feeds.
Peacock feather duster. Sabella spallanzanii. (2021) by Comandante Rocha TrindadeAquário Vasco da Gama, where the dive begins
The fan worm Sabella spallanzanii lives fixed to rocks, in a tube that builds with grains of sand and mud.
This marine worm only leaves out the crown of gill plumes, which quickly collapses when it feels threatened.
Mediterranean slipper lobster. Scyllarides latus. (2018) by Paula MachazAquário Vasco da Gama, where the dive begins
The Mediterranean slipper lobster Scyllarides latus migrates to shallower depths to breed during spring, making it more vulnerable to divers.
Much appreciated for human consumption, the intensive capture has alarmingly reduced existing populations.
Velvet swimming crab. Necora puber. (2014) by Paula MachazAquário Vasco da Gama, where the dive begins
The velvet swimming crab Necora puber has ten legs: four pairs are for walking or swimming, while the first pair has two strong, sharp pincers, which allow it to defend itself when it feels threatened.
Small European locust lobster. Scyllarus arctus. (2021) by Paula MachazAquário Vasco da Gama, where the dive begins
Marine invertebrates fill many crucial ecological roles within the world’s ocean.
Some marine invertebrates pick fish parasites, others remove harmful algae from coral reefs, others float through the water column, and still others are found sifting and burrowing through sand.
Violet sea urchin. Sphaerechinus granularis. (2014) by Paula MachazAquário Vasco da Gama, where the dive begins
Sea urchins have numerous feet, tube-shaped with a suction cup at the end, between the spines and use the suction cups to move around and grab pieces of food.
They can also grab rocks and shells to place over their bodies and create an effective camouflage.
Cushion starfish. Asterina gibbosa (2007) by Comandante Rocha TrindadeAquário Vasco da Gama, where the dive begins
Most starfish have five arms that can regenerate if lost.
If we look closely at the underside of their arms, they have numerous small tubes that end in a suction cup, the ambulatory feet, which they use to slowly move around.
Smooth brittle-star. Ophioderma longicauda. (2021) by Paula MachazAquário Vasco da Gama, where the dive begins
Invertebrates form the basis of many food chains and outweigh all fish in the sea by species and mass. However, local and global pressures including pollution, climate change, habitat degradation and competition with invasive species threaten this relevant group.
Trumpet shell. Charonia lampas. (2021) by Paula MachazAquário Vasco da Gama, where the dive begins
The sea snail has its body protected by a spiral shell, where it hides at the slightest sign of danger.
Its shell was used by fishermen to communicate with each other in the fog. They were also used by shepherds to call the herd or by hunters to call the dogs, during huntings.
Common octopus. Octopus vulgaris. (2007) by Comandante Rocha TrindadeAquário Vasco da Gama, where the dive begins
But one of the most popular marine invertebrates is undoubtedly the octopus. Known for their intelligence, these animals still intrigue scientists and public aquarium professionals around the world with their exploits.
Are you curious? Come and visit the Vasco da Gama Aquarium and the unknown world of marine invertebrates.
