Heteronemes, the largest of the nematocysts, possess a wider stinging apparatus than the other types and are primarily found at the proximal end of the tentilla.
[10] The final two types are desmonemes and rhopalonemes which are both used for adhesion to prey in order to prevent it from escaping as the stinging cells perform their function.
[14] Similarly, collection rates of Nanomia bijuga in the Bantry Bay of Ireland heightened in the months of May-September, with peak density in May/June, which correlated with the annual phytoplankton blooms in the region.
[5] At certain depths, Nanomia bijuga can change their body shape by retracting their tentacles when disturbed which can also assist in their rapid escape from predators.
[19] Some information is still unknown about how deep sea siphonophores consume food, but at this time, it is believed that these creatures can be broken down into 3 dietary groups.
In comparison to the other suborders, organisms in the Physonectae have been shown to consume a larger volume of copepods than fish, ranging anywhere from 14% to 91% of their total diet.
[2] Its initial description marked a significant milestone in the understanding of these colonial marine organisms, shedding light on their complex biology and ecological roles within oceanic ecosystems.
It consists of a succession of specialized zooids organized in a linear fashion, each component fulfilling a specific function essential for the colony's survival.
[2] These functions encompass prey capture, propulsion, and reproduction, all orchestrated within a translucent or transparent body, aiding in camouflage amidst its oceanic habitat.
[2] Over time, advancements in genetic analyses, morphological studies, and classification methodologies have prompted revisions in the taxonomy and nomenclature of siphonophores, including Nanomia bijuga.
Siphonophores, including Nanomia bijuga, are generally not individually assessed for conservation status due to their widespread distribution and lack of direct threats from human activities[2] However, it's important to note that marine ecosystems, including those inhabited by Nanomia bijuga, face various threats such as habitat degradation, pollution, climate change, and overfishing.
These threats can have indirect impacts on siphonophore populations by altering their habitats, disrupting food webs, and affecting oceanic conditions.
[22] Conservation efforts aimed at protecting marine ecosystems, reducing pollution, mitigating climate change impacts, and implementing sustainable fishing practices indirectly benefit species like Nanomia bijuga.