Massive Mounding Lophocalyx Deep Sea Sponge | Nautilus Live

This massive deep sea sponge was spotted on the H1999 dive during our NA153 expedition, on a seamount ridge about 20 nm NNW of Johnston Atoll in the Central Pacific. Whatever your favorite adjective for “big,” it’s certainly applicable for this Lophocalyx sponge that is almost as big as ROV Hercules, stretching over three meters wide. With two huge lobes and connective tissue between, this sponge has created habitat for different sponges to settle on top. The ruffling sponge matrix also grows three-dimensional habitat for invertebrates like sea stars seeking increased water flow and to avoid predators. Without our ocean exploration tools like remotely operated vehicles, we may never have the chance to view such beautiful pieces of deep sea biodiversity and document them within the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument. Learn more about this expedition funded by NOAA Ocean Exploration via the Ocean Exploration Cooperative Institute: E/V Nautilus i