Deep-sea Coral Defense
One reason we are exploring seamounts in the Gulf of Alaska is to learn more about the biology of deep-sea corals. You are looking at an Antipatharian, or black coral, in 1400 m of water on Denson Seamount. The polyps at the base are elongated, suggesting they may perform a defensive function, deterring predators like sea stars and gastropods that prey upon the polyps.
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