Story perspectives

NOAA, Smithsonian Identify Golden Orb as Deep-Sea Anemone

4/24/2026

Summary

Story summary

NOAA Fisheries and the Smithsonian solved the golden orb mystery by whole-genome sequencing, identifying it as a remnant of the deep-sea anemone Relicanthus daphneae.
The 2023 recovery at about 3,250 meters on the Gulf of Alaska seafloor revealed fibrous tissue with cnidocytes, a cuticle the anemone leaves.
Acting Ocean Exploration director Capt. William Mowitt said the discovery shows deep-sea research supports economic growth, national security and planetary sustainability.

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Story summary

NOAA Fisheries and the Smithsonian solved the golden orb mystery by whole-genome sequencing, identifying it as a remnant of the deep-sea anemone Relicanthus daphneae.
The 2023 recovery at about 3,250 meters on the Gulf of Alaska seafloor revealed fibrous tissue with cnidocytes, a cuticle the anemone leaves.
Acting Ocean Exploration director Capt. William Mowitt said the discovery shows deep-sea research supports economic growth, national security and planetary sustainability.