Siphonophores' propulsion system is built for speed and efficiency

Researchers at the University of Oregon have decoded the propulsion system of a siphonophore and discovered that it is built for both speed and efficiency.

Whereas jellyfish and squid only have one propulsion jet, siphonophores have a system made up of a dozen or so special sacs called nectophores that contract, shooting out a stream of water that propels the organism along. When fired together they move at speed, useful for evading predators. By pulsing the sacs in sequence the creature moves more slowly but with greater efficiency.

The team hopes this unique combination of speed and efficiency will inform the next generation of underwater robots propelled with a multi-thruster design inspired by nature.