Pacific Ring of Fire Expedition. This pinnacle rises to 167 meters below the surface. The coiled up pink masses are basket sea stars (about 50 cm across). A myriad of small fish, probably wrasses, swarm around the top of Pinnacle Cone. Turbulence around the top of the structure attracts all the suspension feeders who feed on plankton.

Image ID: expl0093, Voyage To Inner Space - Exploring the Seas With NOAA Collect
Location: Mariana Arc region, Western Pacific Ocean
Photo Date: 2004 April
Credit: Pacific Ring of Fire 2004 Expedition. NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration; Dr. Bob Embley, NOAA PMEL, Chief Scientist

• High Resolution Photo Available