Postscript [to longer article]:
Fig. 43: Unidentified sea-creature photographed by Gwenith Penry on March 27, 2007.
Penry reported that the creature was 12–16 inches long. At its anterior end was a “very distinctive ‘nose’/trunk like protrusion which appeared to be able to move independently of the rest of the body…. There was a notable inflation of the ‘melon’ as the animal surfaced and this then deflated as it dived.” There appeared to be a membranous “skirt,” or parapodia, “on the posterior end of the body, mostly grey but with banding around the edges…. This looks like a thin layer of ‘skin’ that ‘flaps’ like a ray. The banded area looks like two separate appendages that do not join, but the ends meet.” It was “first spotted just below the surface (~30 cm), it then surfaced and swam towards the boat, stopped and lifted the ‘nose’ towards us as if sensing something in front of it.”
In the four excellent photos Penry posted, the extensible neck, inflatable hump, and parapodia are clearly visible. After the posting, heated discussion ensued, but ultimately, no conclusive identification could be made. I believe it may have been a larval long-necked Sea-Serpent as a giant marine slug, and I eagerly await further sightings.
I am of the opinion this is the float of a Portugese man o' war type colonial coelenterate and that furthermore the 1857 Table Bay (South Africa) sighting was probably something similar
The one that was photographed had lost the 200 foot long train of tentacles which made up the "Tail" of the 1857 "Creature."
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