On the second dive of Windows to the Deep 2018, the team explored an unknown feature at the foot of the Blake Ridge and then, after finishing exploration of the seafloor, they conducted midwater transects to explore the water column. While they saw a few corals and sponges on the seafloor, the most exciting observations by far were the animals observed in the water column! The water column is the largest biome on Earth, and yet we know so little about its inhabitants.
Some of the highlights from the dive were documenting a sergestid shrimp with long antennae that help to increase the area around which the animal can sense and a beautiful medusa jellyfish (Solmissus sp.) with its tentacles extended. The most surprising of the day's observations was a quick visit by a swordfish. And of course, the team was very excited to see a cirrate octopus on #octopusfriday!
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Video courtesy of NOAA Ocean Exploration, Windows to the Deep 2018.