New Species of Bamboo Coral Found in Deep Sea
This new species of deep sea coral grows to more than a meter high in depths of between 700 and 1,000 meters. Photo: NOAA, WHOI, the Alvin Group, and the 2004 GOA Expedition..
Marine biologists have discovered a new species of coral growing on the peaks of seamounts off the coast of the Pacific Northwest.
The fan-like bamboo corals, discovered at depths of 700 to 1,000 meters (2,300 to 3,300 feet), were found to be growing to more than a meter tall.
“They look really, really big when you’re underwater,” said marine biologist Peter Etnoyer of Texas A & M University.
According to Discovery News, the new species will be described and given a name in the upcoming December issue of Proceedings of the Biological Society of Washington.
Although the species is new to science, fragments of the bamboo coral have landed in the nets of fishing trawlers for years.
The scientists observed the new coral species from Alvin - a deep-sea research vessel. From Alvin, they were able to observe long tentacles on its trunk billowing in the current. Etnoyer commented that this impressive sight is something that can only be seen and appreciated by looking at a living specimen.
Bamboo corals, which are part of the Isidella genus, provide deep sea creatures with food, shelter, and a breeding ground.
About Deep Sea Corals
As the name suggests, deep sea corals are corals that live in deep seas.
Most deep sea coral are found between 200 and 1500 metres deep but some species have been found more than 3000 metres deep. At these depths, it is usually pitch black and the water is very cold (usually between 4°c and 12°c degrees).
Deep sea corals are found in the Atlantic, Mediterranean, Indian and Pacific Oceans.
Unlike tropical corals that can grow up to 100–200 millimetres per year, deep sea corals grow very slowly. Some deep sea corals are known to grow at a rate of 4–25 millimetres per year.
About two thirds of all coral species are deep sea corals.
Deep sea corals were first discovered in the 18th century but, until recently, very little has been known about them. Recent advances in technology is starting to change that though, particularly with deep water trawling, advanced imaging systems, submersibles (such as Alvin), and advanced acoustic seafloor mapping systems.
Tags: coral reefs, marine life, new species, ocean
