A pink crinoid attached to a tall tan sponge stalk against a dark, rocky ocean floor.
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Sponge Stalk As Habitat
This large senesced sponge stalk provided habitat for a brisingid sea star, crinoids, a Poliopogon sp. sponge, a barnacle, and small amphipods. Seen during Dive 12 of the 2026 American Samoa ROV + Mapping Exploration expedition at a depth of 3,226 meters (2 miles).
Credit

NOAA Ocean Exploration, 2026 American Samoa ROV + Mapping Exploration