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ALEXANDRE MEINESZ

Black Coral

In Dive.Explo360: Mediterranean · Northeast Atlantic · Atlantic Ocean

Rarely seen on dives because of the depth at which it lives, black coral sometimes forms large bushes on rocky walls. Its branches, covered with polyps, small filter-feeding animals, create valuable refuge for many seabed inhabitants and contribute to the richness of the ecosystem.

Habitat de Black Coral Habitat
Rocky habitat
Profondeur de Black Coral Depth
50-200 m
Groupe biologique de Black Coral Group
Cnidarian
Rôle écologique de Black Coral Role
Filter feeder, Ecosystem engineer

WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?

Black coral forms branching, bush-shaped colonies of thin, flexible branches firmly attached to the substrate. Its dark internal structure contrasts with the many small white polyps covering its branches, giving it a slightly fluffy appearance.Colonies can reach a considerable size, sometimes more than a metre tall. The polyps are regularly arranged along the branches and capture food.

WHERE DOES IT LIVE?

Black coral lives attached to hard substrates, mainly rocky walls or features exposed to currents. It is most often found at depth, generally between several tens and a few hundred metres.It prefers dimly lit areas with abundant supplies of food particles. Under certain conditions, it can be seen at shallower depths in shaded areas.

WHAT DOES IT EAT?

Black coral feeds by catching small particles and planktonic organisms in the water. Its polyps extend their tentacles to intercept prey carried by currents.It therefore depends heavily on water circulation for its food supply.

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Other species — Cnidarian

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