“The summit of this seamount was quite close to the surface, perhaps fifty or sixty feet from it, which explained the surplus of life in these waters. In contrast to the vast emptiness of the open sea, life can be prolific at a seamount. Bluefin trevally, bonitos, and yellow snapper moved in unison in vast shoals through the deep-water grotto behind the ship, their scales shimmering in the faint light from above. Within the schools, larger predatory barracuda and tuna swam unhindered. A few pelagic whitetip sharks patrolled the shallows above the schools. A squadron of eagle rays made large sweeping circuits between jutting spires of undersea rocks.”