Paroriza pallens sea cucumbers were the most frequently encountered large deposit feeders on this dive. The species is hermaphroditic and was often observed in pairs such as this one. The nature of the shaggy filaments hanging from the flanks of these sea cucumbers remains a mystery.
Sea Cucumbers
Image courtesy of NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration and Research, Gulf of Mexico 2017.
Paroriza pallens sea cucumbers were the most frequently encountered large deposit feeders on this dive. The species is hermaphroditic and was often observed in pairs such as this one. The nature of the shaggy filaments hanging from the flanks of these sea cucumbers remains a mystery. Download larger version (jpg, 877 KB).
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