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July 19, 2020: Rock Habitat

These red Anthomastus octocorals, a squat lobster, an anemone, and shrimp were seen on a rocky outcrop during a dive on the Sigsbee Escarpment in the Gulf of Mexico to explore the northeastern flank of a large salt dome. Rocks serve as important habitat for life in the deep sea, providing hard surfaces for animals such as corals to grow on.

Image courtesy of the NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration and Research, Gulf of Mexico 2012. Download larger version (jpg, 1.5 MB).

These red Anthomastus octocorals, a squat lobster, an anemone, and shrimp were seen on a rocky outcrop during a dive on the Sigsbee Escarpment in the Gulf of Mexico to explore the northeastern flank of a large salt dome. Rocks serve as important habitat for life in the deep sea, providing hard surfaces for animals such as corals to grow on.