These images are from video footage taken by a camera mounted on the Johnson-Sea-Link submersible. Shown are: Bamboo coral (Keratoisis sp.), pencil urchin (Stylocidaris sp.), Anthomastus sp. octocoral (the red coral), bamboo corals, encrusting colonial organisms growing on dead coral, and a variety of glass sponges (Hexactinellid), including one sponge with several small brittle stars (Ophiuroids). Note the codling fish (family Moridae) and the octocoral tentacles being “blown” in the current, which was running at about ¾ of a knot.

Related Links

Florida Coast Deep Corals 2005

Florida Coast Deep Corals - Nov 8 Log

NOAA Ocean Explorer Gallery