Photo by Peter Southwood

Photo by Guido Zsilavecz
Pteropods The Pteropods are a group of planktonic molluscs that can actively swim by flapping their "wing-feet" (Pteropod means "Wing foot"). They are not often seen in False Bay, and probably even less often recognised. The unidentified Pteropod shown in the photographs was seen at A-Frame on 14 May 2005. The wings can be seen at the left hand side in both photos. This animal was about thumb size, and at first it was thought to be a type of ctenophore, as it is much like them in size and shape.
During May there were many unusual jelly-fish-like animals, including some large jelly fish and salps, in the Simon's Town area, and numerous divers were seen "staring into space" at these often bizarre creatures, some of which were remarkably mobile!
The pteropod shown was photographed at A-Frame, and was about 2 cm long.
References:
Thanks to Professor Charles Griffiths (UCT) for information.
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