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The beauty and diversity of the deep-sea coral reefs of Miami Terrace:
Lophelia pertusa corals were particularly abundant along the top edge of the terrace escarpment’s west ridge.
Just below the ridge edge, Lophelia coral grew lushly, hanging down from the underside of the ledge. Growing in this fashion may allow the corals to take advantage of food-laden currents, as well as to avoid burial by sediments drifting down from above.
The top of the terrace was covered with lacy octocorals and white sponges, as well as galatheid crabs exhibiting their classic “claws up” posture.
Video courtesy of Brooke et al, NOAA-OE, HBOI.Related Links
Florida Coast Deep Corals 2005