A translucent sponge with long tentacles is centered in an underwater scene, surrounded by sandy seabed and scattered dark rocks.
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Carnivorous Sponge
This carnivorous sponge was one of several seen during Dive 09 of the 2026 Cook Islands ROV Exploration cruise. Unlike filter feeding sponges, carnivorous sponges prey on animals such as small crustaceans that they capture from the water column.
Credit

NOAA Ocean Exploration, 2026 Cook Islands ROV Exploration.