Alcyonacea Collection (page 12)

A diverse array of invertebrates cover a healthy reef in Indonesia. This region is home to more marine species than anywhere else on Earth

A set of soft corals grows in the shallow waters of Raja Ampat, Indonesia. This beautiful region is known for its spectacular reefs and high marine biodiversity

A blue starfish clings to a barrel sponge in Indonesia
A blue starfish (Linckia laevigata) clings to barrel sponge in Komodo National Park, Indonesia. This tropical region in Indonesia is known for its spectacular coral reefs and high marine biodiversity

A soft coral colony grows on a reef dropoff in Lembeh Strait, Indonesia. This area is known for its spectacular marine biodiversity

Leather Coral (Alcyonacea), Fiji. South Pacific Coral reef diversity

Scuba diver and Soft Coral -Alcyonacea-, Gulf of Oman, Oman

Soft Coral -Alcyonacea-, Red Sea, Egypt

Sea Strawberry -Gersemia rubiformis-, soft coral, White Sea, Karelia, Russia

Dead mans fingers coral (Alcyonacea), a type of soft coral

SCUBA diving C014 / 2906
SCUBA diving. Diver next to a soft coral (order Alcyonacea) on a reef. Photographed in Indonesia

Coral reef C014 / 2894
Coral reef. Gorgonian (order Gorgonacea) coral, soft corals (order Alcyonacea) and lyretail anthia (Pseudanthias squamipinnis) fish on a reef

Coral reef, Thailand C014 / 2891
Coral reef. Fish swimming around soft corals (order Alcyonacea) and brightly coloured Christmas tree worms (Spirobranchus giganteus) on a boulder made of Porites sp. hard coral

Red soldierfish on a reef
Red soldierfish (Myripristis murdjan) sheltering in soft coral on a reef. Photographed in the Red Sea, Egypt

Golden damselfish with soft coral
Golden damselfish (Amblyglyphidodon aureus) juvenile among soft coral. This species of damselfish inhabits the tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region

For sale as Licensed Images

Choose your image, Select your licence and Download the media

Alcyonacea, also known as soft corals, are a mesmerizing sight in the underwater world. In the vibrant coral reefs of Raja Ampat, West Papua, Indonesia, Gorgonian sea fans (Acalycigorgia sp) sway gracefully with the current. Their delicate branches create an enchanting display of colors and patterns. Amongst these gorgonian sea fans, Sea whip corals (Ellisella ceratophyta) thrive alongside Ring-tailed cardinalfish. The intricate structures of the sea whips provide shelter and protection for these small fish, creating a harmonious ecosystem. In Egypt's Red Sea, kaleidoscopic images of soft corals (Dendronephthya sp) come to life. Their vivid hues paint the underwater landscape with shades of reds and pinks. Encrusting sponges and Pygmy sweepers find solace amidst this thriving coral reef community. Venturing further into West Papua's Indonesian waters reveals another spectacle - Soft corals (Dendronephthya sp. ) growing on the seabed. These resilient organisms add depth and texture to their surroundings while providing essential habitats for countless marine species. Triton Bay near Kaimana is home to flower tree soft corals (Umbellulifera sp. ), showcasing their ethereal beauty beneath the surface. As if plucked from a dreamland, these delicate structures captivate divers with their elegance. The interconnectedness between different marine creatures becomes evident when observing Flamingo tongue cowries preying upon common sea fans like Gorgonia ventalina in East End Grand Cayman's Caribbean Sea. This complex relationship highlights nature's balance even within seemingly fierce interactions. Carl's Ultimate dive site in Papua New Guinea offers a glimpse into a healthy coral reef landscape teeming with life. Here Alcyonacea thrives alongside other diverse forms of marine life creating a vibrant and thriving ecosystem.