Living coral garden off the coast of Benin

Biologists conducted a re-examination of the mesophotic coral reef off the coast of Benin, which was discovered in the 1960s and was considered dead.

A hydrophone, underwater drone, and submersible cameras were used to study the reef.

The research revealed that a living coral community exists at the site of the previously considered dead reef.

The dominant species in this community are soft octocorals.

The discovered community does not form a continuous structure but is located on separate hard patches of the seabed.

According to researchers, this community resembles a coral garden more than a coral reef.

Source: N+1