Pink stalked anemone and translucent stalked sponge anchored on a sandy ocean floor near dark rocks.
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Anemone on a Dead Sponge Stalk
Throughout Dive 05 of the 2026 American Samoa ROV + Mapping Exploration expedition, we observed numerous dead sponge stalks, many of which were colonized by other organisms, like this Venus fly trap anemone (Actinocyphia sp.).
Credit

NOAA Ocean Exploration, 2026 American Samoa ROV + Mapping Exploration