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.

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Dive 18: Schumann Seamount

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