Scientists Discover Carnivorous Sea Sponge in Antarctic Waters, Revealing New Deep Sea Species
Researchers from The Nippon Foundation's Nekton Ocean Census, in collaboration with the Schmidt Ocean Institute, have discovered a new species of carnivorous sea sponge in the Southern Ocean. This discovery was made possible after an iceberg, A-84, broke away from the George VI Ice Shelf, exposing previously hidden seafloor. The team used a remotely operated vehicle to explore this newly accessible area, uncovering a variety of deep-sea species, including the carnivorous sponge. This sponge, part of the Cladorhizidae family, captures and digests small crustaceans using tiny hooked structures on its nearly spherical body. The expedition also documented other unique species, such as bone-eating worms and various organisms living around hydrothermal vents. 
