Anthozoa Collection (page 35)

Acropora plate coral polyps. Close-up of polyps from an Acropora humilis coral colony. Photographed in Misool, Raja Ampat, West Papua, Indonesia

Brain coral. Close-up of the convoluted ridged surface of a brain coral (family Faviidae) colony. Photographed in Misool, Raja Ampat, West Papua, Indonesia

Brittle star eating coral. Northern basket star (Gorgonocephalus arcticus, centre, yellow) wrapped around a soft coral (Gersemia fruticosa, white)

Lesser cylinder anemone (Cerianthus lloydi). Cylinder, or tube, anemones are anthozoans that look very similar to sea anemones, but belong to a different subclass

Soft coral growing on a reef. Unlike other corals, soft corals do not produce calcium carbonate skeletons and don t form reefs. They thrive in nutrient-rich waters with less light intensity

Sea urchin and anemone. Northern red anemone (Urticina felina, upper right) and pale sea urchin (Strongylocentrotus pallidus, lower left) on rocks

Acropora plate coral. Underside of a large Acropora sp. coral colony. Photographed in Triton Bay, West Papua, Indonesia

Sponges on coral reef. Barrel sponges (Xestopongia sp.) and leather corals growing on a reef. Photographed off Misool, West Papua, Indonesia

Coral feeding. Hard coral extruding stomach filaments (white, translucent) to feed. Hard corals are capable of extruding long filaments from their stomach in order to feed

Soft corals. Brightly coloured soft corals growing on a current-swept boulder. Photographed in Triton Bay, West Papua, Indonesia

Sun coral. Colony of sun coral (Tubastrea sp.) polyps growing on a current-swept rocky sea bed. Photographed in Triton Bay, West Papua, Indonesia

Anemonefish in sea anemone
Anemonefish (Amphiprion sp.) in a sea anemone. Photographed in Bunaken Marine Park, Sulawesi, Indonesia

Clown Anemonefish, Amphiprion percula, Alam Batu, Bali, Indonesia

USA, Oregon, Nepture SP. Jewel-toned sea anemones cover the living rocks of Neptune State Park, on Cape Perpetua, Oregon

Coralliomorph Andaman Sea, Myanmar DWD00617
AUS-1891 Coralliomorph Andaman Sea, Myanmar Discosoma rhodostoma Dr David Wachenfeld / Auscape / ardea.com Auscape Please note that prints are for personal display purposes only

Branching corals, Acropora sp. Rongelap, Marshall Islands, Micronesia
Andre Seale / SplashdownDirect

Soft Corals & Gorgonian Seafans (Species unknown) Sardinia, Italy. (RR)
Alan James / SplashdownDirect

Coral reef flat, Mili, Marshall Islands (N. Pacific)
Andre Seale / SplashdownDirect

Leather coral, Sarcophyton sp. Apo Island marine reserve, Philippines, Visayan sea
Andre Seale / SplashdownDirect

Colorful sponges, corals and feather stars populate the reef at Coconut point, Apo island Marine Reserve, Philippines
Andre Seale / SplashdownDirect

Blue coral, Heliopora coerulea, Namu atoll, Marshall Islands (N. Pacific)
Andre Seale / SplashdownDirect

Gorgonian soft coral close-up, Rongelap, Marshall Islands, Micronesia
Andre Seale / SplashdownDirect

Fish & Soft Coral (Species unknown) Angaga House Reef, Maldives, Indian Ocean. (RR)
Alan James / SplashdownDirect

Blue sea star, Linckia laevigata, shares the reef with sponges, feather stars, and coral, Apo Island marine reserve
Andre Seale / SplashdownDirect

Fan coral, Subergorgia sp. Namu atoll, Marshall Islands (N. Pacific)
Andre Seale / SplashdownDirect

Yellowspot emperors or striped large-eye breams, Gnathodentex aurolineatus, Ailuk atoll, Marshall Islands, Pacific
Andre Seale / SplashdownDirect

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Anthozoa, the vibrant and diverse world of coral reefs. Nestled within the heart of Hardy Reef, part of the Outer Great Barrier Reef in Queensland, lies a mesmerizing sight - the enchanting Heart Reef. This natural wonder captivates all who lay eyes upon it. As we explore this underwater paradise, we encounter an array of fascinating creatures. The Caiman crocodilus crocodilus gracefully glides through the crystal-clear waters alongside the elusive Anilius scytale snake. Their presence adds an element of intrigue to this already captivating ecosystem. Intriguing partnerships are formed beneath the waves as well. RF-Western clownfish seek refuge among Magnificent sea anemones like Heteractis magnifica, showcasing their symbiotic relationship where both species benefit from each other's presence. Doryaspis swim effortlessly amidst a bed of Anthozoa, creating a breathtaking spectacle that transports us back in time to witness nature's ancient beauty unfold before our very eyes. Across continents and oceans, Anthozoa continues to amaze us with its diversity. In Nepture SP off Oregon's coast in the USA, an orange starfish finds solace surrounded by green sea anemone – a harmonious blend of colors against a backdrop of endless blue. Traveling further east to Sri Lanka's tea estates reveals unexpected surprises as Coral Gallery c. 1895 showcases delicate corals preserved for generations to come – reminders of nature's artistic prowess beyond just land and sea. Venturing into West Escarceo in Puerto Galera, Mindoro in the Philippines unveils Tubastrea faulkneri or Orange cup coral revealing its open polyps at nightfall – a radiant display that illuminates these depths with ethereal beauty. Indonesia beckons us next as Gorgonian sea fans (Acalycigorgia sp) sway gently on Raja Ampat's coral reef, painting a picture of tranquility and grace.