Mega Sponge: September 24, 2017

 

Prior to being imaged during a Deep-Sea Symphony: Exploring the Musicians Seamounts expedition dive to explore Schumann Seamount, this giant species of sponge had only ever been seen twice, both times in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. To see it in the Musicians Seamounts indicates a connection between the two regions. This particular sponge measured over 4 meters (12 feet) long.

 

Download SD version (mp4, 31.5 MB).

Download HD version (mp4, 33.7 MB).

Video courtesy of NOAA Ocean Exploration, Deep-Sea Symphony: Exploring the Musicians Seamounts.

 


 

For More Information

Dive 18: Schumann Seamount

Scientists Aboard Okeanos Explorer Discover Largest Sponge Known in the World in Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument