Close-up of a white marine sponge with two thin filaments extending from it against a dark background.
Ctenophore
Image courtesy of NOAA Ocean Exploration, 2025 Beyond the Blue. Download larger version (jpg, 763 KB).
A benthic comb jelly or ctenophore (Tjalfiella sp.) observed on the twelfth dive of the Papahānaumokuākea ROV and Mapping expedition. This individual was observed attached to a glass sponge (Poliopogon sp.). This group is known for its ability to brood embryos as well as its extremely long tentacles which were extended for feeding in this individual. The observation was made at a depth of 2,387 meters (7,832 feet).