Kona Blob

Found shore diving off Puako, north of Kona. Big Island, Hawaii. In about 20-25fsw, inside a lava tube. Maybe 1-2 inches long.

My local dive guide said it was nothing, but I feel like it really must be something. However, I'm often wrong

I haven't had much luck searching online.

Thanks for any help.

Looks like some kind of sponge to me. But I'm also often wrong when it doesn't have scales and tails

Bart

We have similar ones everywhere here in shady cavities or caverns,
the only difference is the color as here they are blood red or orange.

The name for the species in the mediterranean sea is: Spirastrella Cuncatrix
You may have a look here: http://www.spongeguide.org/speciesinfo.php?species=65

Chris

Thanks a bunch! I guess a sponge did not really occur to me for some reason, maybe because it was so small. But big sponges have to start out as small sponges...