A sample containing a glass sponge colonized by zoantharian anemones collected during the Illuminating Biodiversity in Deep Waters of Puerto Rico 2022 expedition (see the image of the intricate glass sponge in the family Euretidae). Zoantharians are closely related to anemones and corals, and often colonize other deep-sea organisms, like this sponge. Upon preservation, the ethanol turned hot pink. The ethanol soluble pigments proved not to be stable and later faded to pale orange.
Ethanol Color Change
Image courtesy of Illuminating Biodiversity in Deep Waters of Puerto Rico 2022.
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A sample containing a glass sponge colonized by zoantharian anemones collected during the Illuminating Biodiversity in Deep Waters of Puerto Rico 2022 expedition (see the image of the intricate glass sponge in the family Euretidae). Zoantharians are closely related to anemones and corals, and often colonize other deep-sea organisms, like this sponge. Upon preservation, the ethanol turned hot pink. The ethanol soluble pigments proved not to be stable and later faded to pale orange.