Deep-Sea Animal That Uses Hooks To Kill Prey

By: EjazUlHaqBhat

Image: mbari.org

The carnivorous harp sponge uses velcro-like hooks on its branching limbs to snare tiny crustaceans, which it then digests

Image: mbari.org

While most sponges are filter feeders, the harp sponge has evolved a carnivorous lifestyle to survive in the deep sea, where food is scarce

Image: mbari.org

The sponge's branching limbs are covered in tiny, barbed hooks, which act like Velcro to capture passing prey, mainly copepods and other small crustaceans

Image: mbari.org

Once snagged, the prey is enveloped in a membrane and digested by specialised cells within the sponge

Image: mbari.org

The harp sponge is found in the deep waters of the northeast Pacific Ocean, off the coast of northern California

Image: mbari.org

The sponge's structure, resembling a lyre or harp, is thought to be an adaptation to maximise the area available for capturing food

Image: mbari.org

The spheres at the end of the branches are actually bags of sperm, which float off in the currents and fertilise the eggs of other harp sponges

Image: mbari.org

The harp sponge was discovered by scientists at Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute, California using deep-sea robots

Image: mbari.org

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