Sponges are usually thought of as harmless and simple creatures, but there’s a new player in the deep sea that’s changing this view. A recently discovered sponge dubbed the “death-ball” sponge has shown it can be a bit fierce.
This carnivorous sponge, found near Antarctica during the Nippon Foundation–Nekton Ocean Census, belongs to the genus Chondrocladia, also known as ping pong ball sponges. At first glance, it looks like a cluster of bubbles on sticks. However, it has tiny hooks to catch small animals like crustaceans, showcasing a not-so-friendly side.
The expedition, which kicked off in 2023, aims to explore the Southern Ocean, a region that many researchers believe is still full of unknown life. The “death-ball” sponges were spotted at an impressive depth of 3,601 meters (11,814 feet) near Montagu Island, part of a remote island chain.
But the sponge isn’t alone—30 new species were identified during this journey. There are also scale worms with shimmering armor and various crustaceans and sea stars that were previously unknown.
One of the standout moments from the mission was capturing the first video of a juvenile colossal squid. The team even explored a new ecosystem hidden beneath a massive iceberg that broke away from a glacier in West Antarctica.
Looking at the numbers, Michelle Taylor, Head of Science at the Ocean Census, notes that we have only analyzed about 30% of the samples collected. “This shows how much biodiversity is still out there, waiting to be documented.”
Recent studies support this idea. According to a report by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, more than 80% of the ocean remains unexplored. Each dive into these depths reveals fascinating creatures, from oddly spiky crabs to unusual fish that resemble characters from video games. This continued exploration underlines the message that our oceans can still surprise us.
All new species identified through the Ocean Census will be archived in an open-access data platform, making it accessible for anyone interested in ocean life. As scientists dive deeper and more discoveries emerge, we can only imagine what lies beneath the surface.
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