Polyps of Lophelia pertusa extend from the corallites in order to feed.

Polyps of Lophelia pertusa extend from the corallites in order to feed. Like other cold-water corals, L. pertusa is a filter-feeder and preys on plankton that descend from the surface. Photo courtesy of Erik Cordes, Lophelia II: Reefs, Rigs, & Wrecks, September 2008, NOAA Ship Nancy Foster.

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Lophelia II 2009

Lophelia II 2009: Climate Change and Cold-water Corals

NOAA Ocean Explorer Gallery

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