Alcyonacea Collection (page 8)

Soft corals adorn the legs of Arborek Jetty, Raja Ampat, Indonesia
Soft corals (Dendronephthya sp.) adorn the legs of Arborek Jetty, Dampier Strait, Raja Ampat, Indonesia

Black coral illuminated by diver with twin lights, Indonesia
Black coral (Antipathes sp.) illuminated by diver with twin lights, Raja Ampat, West Papua, Indonesia

Ornate ghost pipefish with mushroom leather coral, Indonesia
Ornate ghost pipefish (Solenostomus paradoxus) with mushroom leather coral (Sarcophyton sp.), Bunaken National Park, Sulawesi, Indonesia

Reef scene with sea fan, Papua New Guinea
Spectacular reef scene showing sea fan (Semperina sp.) at Barneys reef, Witu Islands, Papua New Guinea

A red sea fan with purple anthias fish, Papua New Guinea
A red sea fan (Melthaea sp.) with purple anthias fish, Kimbe Bay, Papua New Guinea

Colonies of soft coral thrive on a reef near Sulawesi, Indonesia
Colonies of soft coral (Sinularia sp.) thrive on a healthy reef near the island of Sulawesi, Indonesia. This beautiful, tropical region is home to an incredible variety of marine life

A soft coral colony grows on a reef slope in Indonesia
A beautiful soft coral colony grows on a reef slope in Komodo National Park, Indonesia. This tropical region in Indonesia is known for its spectacular coral reefs and high marine biodiversity

A current sweeps across a colorful coral reef in Indonesia
Current sweeps across a colorful and healthy coral reef in Komodo National Park, Indonesia. This tropical region in Indonesia is known for its spectacular coral reefs and high marine biodiversity

Soft coral seascape, Fiji

A large red gorgonian sea fan, Beqa Lagoon, Fiji

Diver illuminates mushroom leather coral and crinoid with twin lamps
Diver illuminates mushroom leather coral (Sarcophyton sp.) and crinoid (Crinoid sp.) with twin lamps, Raja Ampat, Indonesia

A soft coral crab blends into its host coral colony
A soft coral crab (Hoplophrys oatesi) blends into its host coral colony in Lembeh Strait, Indonesia. Lembeh Strait is known for its diverse array of bizarre marine organisms

A well-camouflaged Crocodilefish lies on a coral reef in Indonesia
A well-camouflaged Crocodilefish (Cymbacephalus beauforti) lies on a healthy coral reef in Komodo National Park, Indonesia

Soft coral reef seascape, Indonesia

Crinoid and soft coral, Fiji

A diver approaches colorful soft corals and crinoids on the reefs of Raja Ampat
A diver approaches colorful soft corals (Dendronephthya sp.) and crinoids on the stunning reefs of southern Raja Ampat, West Papua, Indonesia

Close-up view of soft tree coral, Gorontalo, Sulawesi, Indonesia
Close-up view of soft tree coral (Dendronephthya sp.) with diver in background, Gorontalo, Sulawesi, Indonesia

A beautiful cluster of soft coral colonies on a coral reef in Indonesia
A beautiful cluster of soft coral colonies grows on a healthy coral reef in Komodo National Park, Indonesia. This tropical region in Indonesia is known for its spectacular coral reefs

Soft leather corals grow in the shallow waters in the Solomon Islands, Melanesia. This region, in the eastern part of the Coral Triangle

A colorful coral reef grows along a deep dropoff in the Solomon Islands. This Melanesian region is known for its spectacular marine biodiversity

Schooling scalefin anthias fish and soft corals of Beqa Lagoon, Fiji
Schooling scalefin anthias fish (Pseudanthias squamipinnis) and beautiful soft corals of Beqa Lagoon, Fiji

Large red gorgonian sea fan on a Fijian Reef

Colony of red whip fan coral, Papua New Guinea
Colony of red whip fan coral (Ctenocella sp.) with various fish species, Kimbe Bay, Papua New Guinea

Reef top with various types of soft coral under greenish water at sunset, Cenderawasih Bay, West Papua, Indonesia

A soft coral colony near Alor, Indonesia
A soft coral colony and other invertebrates thrive in shallow water near Alor, Indonesia. This remote region is known for its beautiful reefs and spectacular marine biodiversity

A table coral is encroached upon by soft corals near the island of Alor, Indonesia. This remote region is known for its beautiful reefs and spectacular marine biodiversity

A healthy and diverse coral reef grows in Raja Ampat, Indonesia
A healthy and diverse coral reef grows near limestone islands in Raja Ampat, Indonesia. This remote region is known as the heart of the Coral Triangle

A healthy coral reef grows in the Solomon Islands, Melanesia. This region, in the eastern part of the Coral Triangle, harbors spectacular marine biodiversity and is known for its beautiful reefs

Soft coral seascape, Indonesia

Atmospheric scene from the Liberty Wreck, Tulamben, Bali, Indonesia

Brown and white gastropod crawling on the sandy bottom hunting for food, Cenderawasih Bay, West Papua, Indonesia

Seascape of crinoids, Indonesia

Coral and sponge reef, Belize

Colorful soft corals adorn a reef in Raja Ampat, Indonesia
Colorful soft corals (Dendronephthya sp.) adorn a reef in Raja Ampat, West Papua, Indonesia

A pink anemonefish swims among the tentacles of its host anemone
A pink anemonefish (Amphiprion perideraion) swims among the tentacles of its host anemone near the island of Sulawesi, Indonesia

A sea star clings to a diverse reef near the island of Bangka, Indonesia. This beautiful, tropical region is home to an incredible variety of marine life

Soft coral in Raja Ampat, Indonesia

Sea whips, Fiji

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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.