As Dive 01 of Windows to the Deep 2021 progressed and we explored higher relief areas of mounds on the seafloor, we encountered increasing amounts of live, healthy (and white!) Lophelia coral living on top of dead Lophelia rubble. Both the living and dead coral colonies provided habitat for multiple species of small animals such as solitary cup corals, crinoids, and a variety of fish.
Lophelia Coral Colony
Image courtesy of NOAA Ocean Exploration, Windows to the Deep 2021.
Download largest version (jpg, 1.4 MB).

As Dive 01 of Windows to the Deep 2021 progressed and we explored higher relief areas of mounds on the seafloor, we encountered increasing amounts of live, healthy (and white!) Lophelia coral living on top of dead Lophelia rubble. Both the living and dead coral colonies provided habitat for multiple species of small animals such as solitary cup corals, crinoids, and a variety of fish.