A pale sea cucumber covered in small shells and debris rests on a light, sandy ocean floor.
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Sea Cucumber
An interesting observation during Dive 03 of the 2026 American Samoa ROV + Mapping Exploration expedition was this large sea cucumber that had attached small pieces of shell and forams to its body. Scientists aren’t sure why the sea cucumber “wears” such a costume.
Credit

NOAA Ocean Exploration, 2026 American Samoa ROV + Mapping Exploration