scubaseason

Black Coral

Antipathes caribbeana

Sighting evidence at Black Coral Garden, María la Gorda

Slow-growing colonies here exceed a metre in height, having established over decades in the calm, nutrient-rich upwelling along the wall. They serve as habitat structure for dozens of invertebrate and small fish species. The depth of these colonies — beginning around 30 m — makes them unusual survivors in a region where shallower stands have largely been collected or bleached.

Evidence at this site

No confirmed records on file at this site

Black Coral is listed as a curated species here based on historical reports.

How is this calculated?

Sighting evidence is compiled from iNaturalist observation records within a set proximity radius, filtered for quality-grade observations. “Last confirmed” is the date of the most recent research-grade record. Record count covers a rolling 24-month window. Confidence reflects record count, recency, and consistency of seasonal signal.

Also seen at other sites