A sea fan Nicella goreaui and vase sponge Xestospongia sp. found along one of the many small ledges in the lower mesophotic zone (115 meters depth). Steep slopes do not prevent organisms from thriving in this environment.
Sea Fan
Image courtesy of Cuba’s Twilight Zone Reefs and Their Regional Connectivity. Download larger version (jpg, 2.2 MB).

A sea fan Nicella goreaui and vase sponge Xestospongia sp. found along one of the many small ledges in the lower mesophotic zone (115 meters depth). Steep slopes do not prevent organisms from thriving in this environment.

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