Post

Down in the depths of the ocean, metal supports life. Like for this nodule crown coral (Deltocyathus zoemetallicus), a stony coral that lives attached to polymetallic nodules on the seafloor. Image credit: @nhm-london.bsky.social and the University of Gothenburg

Sam Andrews

@oceanoculus.com

At depths of around 4,000 metres, conditions make it difficult for corals to build and maintain their skeletons. This nodule crown coral is one of the few to do so. As far as we know, the corals are dependent on the nodules - the very same that deep-sea mining enterprises hope to target.

15/9/26, 8:40 am0 reposts0 likes

Sam Andrews

@oceanoculus.com

15 Sept

Deltocyathus zoemetallicus is one of the @marinespecies.bsky.social ten remarkable new marine species from 2025, as voted for by taxonomists.