#hydrocoral

[noaasanctuaries]

You may have seen these colors in your garden at home, but the deep-sea "gardens" of coral in Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary can be just as vibrant! What creatures can you spot?

(Photo: Adam Obaza. Image description: Purple hydrocoral on a rocky outcropping.)

[noaasanctuaries]

If the color purple is associated with royalty, then all hail Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary for its purple hydrocoral! Have you seen this bright, stunning invertebrate when visiting your national marine sanctuary? 

(Photo: Adam Obaza) 

[Image description: Purple hydrocoral growing from a rocky outcropping.]

[noaasanctuaries]

Does this pink look a little tropical to you? 

Don't be fooled! This pink hydrocoral was actually photographed in the cold, deep waters of Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary, off the coast of Northern California. The rocky habitat of Cordell Bank rises from the seafloor of the continental shelf, and hosts all sorts of technicolor creatures! 

(Photo: NOAA)

[noaasanctuaries]

(Photo: Cindy Shaw)

Purple hydrocorals blanket the rocky depths of Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary, while purple urchins creep in to feed. Positioned in a unique location where cool, nutrient-rich currents mix with warmer, more southern waters, California's Channel Islands sit at a biological transition zone chock full of life. What other colorful critters can you spot in this photo? 

[noaasanctuaries]

Can you spot the sneaky octopus tucking itself among the hydrocoral at Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary? The deep-sea environment of Cordell Bank supports a highly productive marine ecosystem home to invertebrates, fishes, and marine mammals alike. 

(Photo: Matt Vieta/BAUE)

[montereybayaquarium]

Creating a living picture: Learn how a staff member duplicated his favorite diving spot in an Aquarium exhibit, in our latest podcast.

[underwatertrees-blog]