Alcyonacea Collection (page 9)

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

Diver in soft coral seascape, Fiji

Reefscape with black coral and gorgonian sea fan, Raja Ampat, Indonesia

A diver approaches a gorgonian sea fan, Indonesia
A diver approaches a gorgonian sea fan through Boo Windows, Southern Raja Ampat, West Papua, Indonesia

Gorgonian sea fan attached to a leg under Arborek Jetty, Raja Ampat
Gorgonian sea fan attached to a leg under Arborek Jetty, Dampier Strait, Raja Ampat, Indonesia

Red whip coral sea fan with diver, Papua New Guinea
Red whip coral sea fan (Ctenocella sp.) with diver, Fathers reef, Kimbe Bay, Papua New Guinea

A beautiful cluster of soft coral colonies on a 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 corals grow on the edge of Palaus barrier reef
Soft corals grow on a shallow reef flat on the edge of Palaus barrier reef. This Micronesian destination is popular among scuba divers and snorkelers due to its spectacular coral reefs

Diver hovering over soft coral reef, Fiji, Pacific Ocean
Diver photographer hovering over soft coral reef, Fiji, Pacific Ocean

Soft corals and gorgonian sea fans adorn a reef in Fiji
Beautiful soft corals and gorgonian sea fans adorn the walls and ceiling of a reef in Fiji

Flamingo Tongue Snail on soft coral, Bonaire, Caribbean Netherlands

Colorful crinoids and soft corals adorn a reef in Raja Ampat, West Papua, Indonesia

Colorful soft corals adorn the stunning reefs of southern Raja Ampat
Colorful soft corals (Dendronephthya sp.) adorn the stunning reefs of southern Raja Ampat, West Papua, Indonesia

Red soft coral with crinoid, Papua New Guinea
Red soft coral (Dendronephthya sp) with crinoid in Kimbe Bay, Papua New Guinea

Golden sweepers surround a soft coral colony in Indonesia
Golden sweepers surround a soft coral colony in Komodo National Park, Indonesia. This tropical region in Indonesia is known for its spectacular coral reefs and high marine biodiversity

A beautiful coral reef thrives on an underwater slope in Indonesia
A beautiful coral reef thrives on an underwater slope in Komodo National Park, Indonesia. This tropical area in the western Pacific harbors an extraordinary array of marine organisms

A beautiful coral reef thrives in Komodo National Park, Indonesia. This tropical area in the western Pacific harbors an extraordinary array of marine organisms

Soft coral colonies and gorgonians on a coral reef in Indonesia
Beautiful soft coral colonies and gorgonians grow on a healthy coral reef in Komodo National Park, Indonesia. This tropical region in Indonesia is known for its spectacular coral reefs

Soft corals and invertebrates grow on a deep reef in Indonesia
Soft corals and other invertebrates grow on a deep reef in Komodo National Park, Indonesia. This beautiful area harbors extraordinary marine biodiversity and is a popular destination for divers

Soft coral on the LIberty Wreck, Bali, Indonesia

Soft coral on a healthy Fijian reef

Colorful reef scene with bright orange tube sponge and soft coral profiled against cerulean blue water and sun, Jardines De La Reina, Cuba

Massive orange soft coral bush, Cebu, Philippines
Massive orange dendronephthya soft coral bush hanging down from colorful reef, Cebu, Philippines

A scuba diver swims above a coral reef in Komodo National Park, Indonesia
A scuba diver swims above a beautiful coral reef in Komodo National Park, Indonesia. This tropical area in the western Pacific harbors an extraordinary array of marine organisms

Gorgonians and reef-building corals near the Blue Hole in Belize
Colorful gorgonians and reef-building corals grow in shallow water near the famous Blue Hole in Belize. This part of Central America is well known for its clear waters and beautiful coral reefs

Soft corals grow beneath a large table coral in Indonesia
Soft corals grow beneath a large table coral in Komodo National Park, Indonesia. This tropical region in Indonesia is known for its spectacular coral reefs and high marine biodiversity

A red sea fan with crinoid feather stars, Papua New Guinea
A red sea fan (Melthaea sp.) with crinoid feather stars, Kimbe Bay, Papua New Guinea

Diver in the distance shining his torch onto brightly colored forests of soft coral
Diver in the distance shining his torch onto brightly colored forests of yellow, orange and pink soft coral, Cebu, Philippines

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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.