Lophelia Coral Thicket
Detailed Description
Small Lophelia sprigs proliferate into a dense mass of white living branches, 1-2 m tall. Over time, groups of coral bushes coalesce to form massive reefs hundreds of meters across. Unlike shallow reefs built by many stony coral species, Lophelia pertusa reefs are generally formed by this single dominant species, occasionally with 1-2 other framework corals contributing.
Sources/Usage
Public Domain.