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 long
Also 131.2 ft
Representative extended colony length · representative
Typical recorded range: 20 m to 50 m.
A little perspective
About the same scale as Space Shuttle orbiter.
Space Shuttle orbiter: A Space Shuttle orbiter was a reusable winged spacecraft that carried crews and cargo between Earth and low orbit.
Measurements, assumptions & sources +
Siphonophore colony
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
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
For comparison, this page uses representative extended colony length. This is labelled representative; the central value is useful for comparison, while real values or measurement solutions 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 named feature; transparent margins and unmeasured details do not alter it. How calibrated comparisons work →
Recorded properties
Siphonophore colony dimensions and measurements
| Property | Selected value | Recorded range | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40 m | 20 m to 50 m | representative |
Around this scale
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These links use compatible length records, ordered around the selected value.
Nearest lower value · SpaceSpace Shuttle orbiter37.24 mA Space Shuttle orbiter was a reusable winged spacecraft that carried crews and cargo between Earth and low orbit.
Around the same scale · Places50 × 40 m playground40 mA playground is an outdoor space intended for children's recreation and play activities.
Nearest higher value · Sport50 m swimming pool50 mA 50 m swimming pool is a large pool built for competitive swimming events, including international competitions.Sources and method
Want to check the number?
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.
There’s always another scale
Follow your curiosity.
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