Figure 4C
This species was observed partly buried with its superomarginal edge lying flush alongside the surface of the bottom sediment. Other species of benthopectinids have been observed during Okeanos Explorer cruises sitting out on open substrates (Mah, unpublished observations), making this the first to be seen buried in the sediment with its spines projecting upwards, suggesting that they are used for defense, perhaps while the animal feeds on underlying sediment or sediment-related prey.
Image Observed
Pourtales Terrace, Gulf of Mexico, 24.28439, -82.25347, 332 m. EX1803_IMG_20180502T192533Z_ROVHD.jpg