A cluster of two species of deep-sea coral skeletons grown together
Cluster
Image courtesy of Deepwater Canyons 2013 - Pathways to the Abyss, NOAA-OER/BOEM/USGS. Download larger version (jpg, 4.9 MB).

A cluster of two species of deep-sea coral skeletons grown together: the thin branched top is likely Solenosmilia while the circular bottom ‘cups’ are Desmophyllum. The dark green dead skeletons can support live coral (white), and provide scientists a timeline of growth that can span decades.

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