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| Chondrophores | |
|---|---|
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| Blue button (Porpita porpita) | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Unrecognized taxon (fix): | Porpitidae |
| Type genus | |
| Porpita | |
| Genera | |
| Synonyms | |
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The chondrophores or porpitids are a small and unusual group of hydrozoans. They are the family Porpitidae.
They all live at the surface of the open ocean, and are colonies of carnivorous, free-floating hydroids. Their life-style in the plankton is similar to that of pelagic jellyfish.
The chondrophores look like a single organism but are cooperatives of polyps.
The most familiar members of the family Porpitidae are the blue button (Porpita porpita) and the by-the-wind sailor (Velella velella).
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