February 26, 2021: Sea Anemone and Brittle Stars
Image courtesy of the NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration and Research, 2015 Hohonu Moana. Download larger version (jpg, 813 KB).
This sea anemone, Actinoscyphia sp., was perched on top of a sponge stalk that was also covered with brittle stars. By elevating themselves on the sponge and off the seafloor, the anemone and brittle stars are increasing their ability to capture food flowing past in the water column. Seen during a 2015 Hohonu Moana: Exploring Deep Waters off Hawaiʻi expedition dive on the eastern ridge of a crater that is located east of Maro Reef.