The object, which measured a little over four inches (10 cm) across, was found smooth, shiny, and soft with a large hole torn in the front. It was collected using the ROV Deep Discoverer's suction tool and brought to the surface. The sample was sent to the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History for analysis.
Initial examination found the orb lacked typical animal anatomy but was fibrous with a layered surface packed with sting cells (spirocysts), characteristic of Hexacorallia. DNA matching was initially inconclusive because the orb had picked up DNA from other microscopic life. Whole-genome sequencing confirmed the DNA was animal and genetically almost identical to a known Relicanthus daphneae reference genome.
It is so satisfying to help crack the case of the egg. Even years after its collection, we were periodically receiving requests for updates to its identity. I really appreciate that we can bring attention to the small, weird things on our planet.
The golden base is usually hidden underneath the anemone, but this one was left behind after the anemone died or moved. According to Daily Mail - Science & Tech, Dr Steven Auscavitch described it as satisfying to help crack the case of the egg. NOAA said what happened to the top of the anemone may never be known for sure.
Dr. Allen Collins noted that the mystery required morphological, genetic, deep-sea and bioinformatics expertise to solve. Captain William Mowitt said that with advanced techniques like DNA sequencing, more deep-sea mysteries can be solved.