Deep-Sea Soft Coral

This video was taken from a remote operational vehicle (ROV), and shows the collection of the holotype specimen of a recently discovered and described soft coral (Gersemia juliepackardae) at 1005 meters in depth from off the central California coast. 

For the original description, see: Williams, G.C. & L. Lundsten.  2009.  The nephtheid soft coral genus Gersemia Marenzeller, 1878, with the description of a new species from the northeast Pacific and a review of two additional species (Octocorallia; Alycyonacea).  Zoologische Mededelingen Leiden 83 (34): 1067-1081.

Video and photo by Lonny Lundsten, Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI).

View Video: Deep-Sea Soft Coral