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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Environment
Helena Horton Environment reporter

Carnivorous ‘death ball’ sponge among new species found in depths of Southern Ocean

Sponge with a spiky centre and stalks ending in iridescent balls
‘Death ball’ tree sponge on the ocean bed. Photograph: The Nippon Foundation-Nekton Ocean Census Schmidt Ocean Institute © 2025

A carnivorous “death ball” sponge is among 30 previously unknown deep-sea species found by scientists in one of the most remote parts of the planet.

Researchers sampled the depths of the Southern Ocean, including volcanic calderas, the South Sandwich trench and seafloor habitats around Montagu and Saunders islands.

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