A carnivorous “ping pong sponge” sponge (Chondrocladia sp. cladorhizidae) covered in brittle stars (genus Ophiacantha). Observed during Dive 08 of the Seascape Alaska 3 expedition at a depth of 1,475 meters (4,840 feet), the team collected this sponge for further analysis and during collection, we were able to get a good look at the intensive “root” structure of these sponges.
Ping Pong Sponge
Image courtesy of NOAA Ocean Exploration, Seascape Alaska. Download larger version (jpg, 672 KB).

A carnivorous “ping pong sponge” sponge (Chondrocladia sp. cladorhizidae) covered in brittle stars (genus Ophiacantha). Observed during Dive 08 of the Seascape Alaska 3 expedition at a depth of 1,475 meters (4,840 feet), the team collected this sponge for further analysis and during collection, we were able to get a good look at the intensive “root” structure of these sponges.