Zigzag coral (Madrepora oculata) and squat lobster Description Operation Deep Slope 2007. Madrepora oculata coral with squat lobster. Gulf of Mexico.
Date 22 September 2010, 13:45
Source NOAA Photo Library: expl1651, https://www.flickr.com/photos/noaaphotolib/5014818139/
Author Image courtesy of Expedition to the Deep Slope 2007, NOAA-OE.
Madrepora oculata, also called zigzag coral, is a Scleractinia (stony coral) that is found worldwide outside of the polar regions, growing in deep water at depths of 80–1500 meters. It was first described by Linnaeus in 1758. It is one of only 12 species of coral that are found worldwide, including in Subantarctic oceans. In some areas, such as in the Mediterranean Sea and the North-east Atlantic Ocean, it dominates communities of coral. Order: Scleractinia, Genus: Madrepora.
