deep-sea coral

Deep-sea corals are slow-growing, complex marine animals that live in the dark, cold depths of the ocean, often thousands of meters below the surface. Unlike tropical shallow-water corals, they don’t rely on sunlight for energy and do not build reef structures. Instead, they attach to seabed slopes, rocky outcrops, and seamounts, forming intricate, three-dimensional communities. These corals provide vital habitats for diverse marine species, supporting biodiversity in otherwise harsh environments. Their resilience and ecological importance make them key components of deep-sea ecosystems, but they are sensitive to threats like deep-sea fishing, mining, and climate change.