This possibly undescribed hexactinellid glass sponge in the subfamily Bolosominae was collected from a depth of 1,413 meters (4,635 feet) during Dive 05 of Windows to the Deep 2021. It measured about 15 centimeters (6 inches) across and had a fleshy stalk with a large oscule, or central opening through which the sponge passes water. Its collection came with three “bonus” associated samples that were living in the body of the sponge, including a hermit crab, an amphipod, and three individuals of a polychaete worm species.
Glass Sponge
Image courtesy of NOAA Ocean Exploration, Windows to the Deep 2021.
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This possibly undescribed hexactinellid glass sponge in the subfamily Bolosominae was collected from a depth of 1,413 meters (4,635 feet) during Dive 05 of Windows to the Deep 2021. It measured about 15 centimeters (6 inches) across and had a fleshy stalk with a large oscule, or central opening through which the sponge passes water. Its collection came with three “bonus” associated samples that were living in the body of the sponge, including a hermit crab, an amphipod, and three individuals of a polychaete worm species.