Next to the pink Paragorgia coral are two large horn-shaped vase sponges that look like wild characters from a Dr. Seuss book! We encountered sponges as tall as 3 meters on some dives, and others were nearly as tall as the Alvin! Sponges appear to be the most abundant large benthic organism at this site on Warwick seamount. Sponges are filter feeders, and based on the sizes of those encountered on Warwick Seamount, they are apparently getting plenty to eat! Caption by Rob Dunbar. |
