Deep-Sea 'Death-Ball' Sponge: New Predator Snags Prey with Hooks

• A new deep-sea sponge, nicknamed the "death-ball" sponge, was discovered in the Southern Ocean.
• Unlike typical sponges, this predatory species actively hunts and traps small animals using tiny hooks.
• The discovery was made at 3,601 meters depth near Antarctica by a remotely operated vehicle (ROV).
• This finding challenges long-held assumptions about sponge biology and highlights deep-sea biodiversity.
• It was part of the Nippon Foundation–Nekton Ocean Census project, which also found nearly 30 other unknown deep-sea species.

Why It Matters: It redefines sponge biology and highlights vast, unexplored deep-sea biodiversity.