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Balanus Seamount

Preview A white coral (Corallium sp.) and two vase sponges (left) grow on an Atlantic Ocean seamount.
(Mountains in the Sea Research Group/NOAA/IFE)

A large white coral (Corallium sp.) grows on the Balanus Seamount, part of the New England Seamount chain. Hanging on to the coral are stalkless crinoids and orange brittlestars (Opiacantha sp.) To the left are two vase sponges. This photo was taken on May 22, 2004, at a depth of 1,745 meters (5,725 feet) by the remotely operated vehicle (ROV) Hercules.