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Pink Vase Sponge

This image shows the delicate structure of this beautiful pink vase sponge. The small holes in the wall of the sponge draw in water containing microscopic animals known as plankton. The sponge feeds on this plankton and then the excess water is expelled through the large opening in the center of the sponge. Sponges are one of the most common inhabitants of a coral reef. This image was captured by Dr. Anthony R. Picciolo from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).