Siphonophore colony
A siphonophore is a floating colony of specialised animals called zooids that function together as one organism-like body.
Also known as: giant siphonophore, siphonophore
How big is it?
40 m · representative extended colony length
Also 131.2 ft
Representative extended colony length · representative
Typical recorded range: 20 m to 50 m.
A little perspective
Siphonophore colony vs Space Shuttle orbiter: length comparison
The extended colony length of a siphonophore colony is about 1.07 times the overall orbiter length of a Space Shuttle orbiter.
A siphonophore is a floating colony of specialised animals called zooids that function together as one organism-like body.
A Space Shuttle orbiter was a reusable winged spacecraft that carried crews and cargo between Earth and low orbit.
Both rulers start at the same zero and share one linear scale. Artwork keeps its original proportions. Horizontal rulers compare the selected spans; vertical brackets also identify height on the artwork.
Measurements, assumptions & sources +
Siphonophore colony
Representative extended colony length: 40 m; representative; range 20 m–50 m.
A representative 40 m extended giant siphonophore colony. Siphonophores are colonies of specialised zooids rather than single jellyfish; fragile length changes with posture and observation method.
Schmidt Ocean Institute — Giant siphonophore
The marked representative extended colony length is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Space Shuttle orbiter
Overall orbiter length: 37.24 m; specified.
A NASA Space Shuttle orbiter measured 37.24 m long, with a 23.79 m wingspan and 17.25 m overall height. External tank and boosters are not included.
NASA Technical Reports Server — Space Shuttle transportation system
The marked overall orbiter length is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
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Why this measurement?
Why we use 40 m
We compare the extended colony length of a siphonophore colony. This is a representative comparison value; individual specimens or conditions can vary. The recorded range is 20 m to 50 m.
A representative 40 m extended giant siphonophore colony. Siphonophores are colonies of specialised zooids rather than single jellyfish; fragile length changes with posture and observation method.
The marked vertical span follows the measured feature, not the edges of the image. How calibrated comparisons work →
Recorded properties
Dimensions and measurements
| Property | Selected value | Recorded range | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40 m | 20 m to 50 m | representative |
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The source records and measurement method remain available for inspection.
- Schmidt Ocean Institute — Giant siphonophoreExtended giant-colony observations and colonial zooid anatomy; length is posture- and observation-dependent.
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