Benthic Communities and Their Biopharmaceutical Potential Across Mineral-Rich Marine Biomes

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Image Gallery

This page contains photos and videos associated with the Benthic Communities and Their Biopharmaceutical Potential Across Mineral-Rich Marine Biomes expedition. Click on any image to view a larger version and for additional information.

Macellicephalin Scale Worm

This whimsical creature is identified as a ‘macellicephalin scale worm.’

Chirodotid Sea Cucumber

This transparent and unearthly creature is identified as a ‘chirodotid sea cucumber.’

Deep-sea Skate

A mixed hard and soft bottom community was observed on Cortes bank.

Kelp Fall

A large Macrocystic kelp fall was observed on the Patton Escarpment being grazed upon by fragile pink urchins.

Deep-water Coral Garden

A deep-water coral garden composed of sea fans and mushroom corals.

Biodiversity on Patton Ridge

Along the central Patton Ridge, brisingid sea stars, anemones, and sponges were observed to occur in high densities.

Cerianthid Anemone

Cerianthid anemones, like this one found at San Juan Seamount, build rubbery tubes that they live in, which is why they are also known as “tube anemones”.

Asteroid

The body of this asteroid (possiby Hymenaster) is gelatinous, almost translucent, which aptly fits its name: “hymen”, meaning membrane, and “aster”, meaning star.

Crinoid

Crinoids are some of the oldest fossils on the planet and have been dated to around 485 million years ago!

Bubblegum Coral

Deep-sea corals such as this bubblegum coral in the Channel Islands are critical for fish populations.

Bamboo Coral

This bamboo coral found on the Davidson Seamount is estimated to be 200 years old!