Mudstone with sessile fauna

Large detached block of mudstone sitting at the base of the west wall of Heezen Canyon. The block has been colonized by a host of sessile fauna, including at least two species of anemones, brisingid sea stars, sponges, cup corals, and octocorals (Anthomastus sp. and Paramuricea sp.). Scattered ophiuroids (brittle stars) were abundant on the sediment surface. Image courtesy of NOAA Okeanos Explorer Program, Northeast U.S. Canyons Expedition 2013.