Black coral in the genus Bathypathes, shown in this image, was the most abundant coral seen during Dive 07 of the 2021 North Atlantic Stepping Stones expedition. It was observed almost from the beginning through to the end of the dive. Black corals have dark skeletons, hence their name, but when alive they appear white, pink, or other colors because of the living tissue that covers their skeletons.
Black Coral
Image courtesy of NOAA Ocean Exploration, 2021 North Atlantic Stepping Stones: New England and Corner Rise Seamounts. Download larger version (jpg, 1.3 MB).

Black coral in the genus Bathypathes, shown in this image, was the most abundant coral seen during Dive 07 of the 2021 North Atlantic Stepping Stones expedition. It was observed almost from the beginning through to the end of the dive. Black corals have dark skeletons, hence their name, but when alive they appear white, pink, or other colors because of the living tissue that covers their skeletons.

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