New Reef Discovery (Amazon)

[CoralsAddiction]

Scientists just discovered a new reef
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/2017/01/photos-amazon-coral-reef-discovery-research-science/

 

[Jonmf]

How cool is that? Hopefully it sticks around.


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[CoralsAddiction]

Hopefully it sticks around.


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I hope so too.

 

[CoralsAddiction]

The reef was discovered a year or so ago but the pics just came out.

 

[dodgerblew]

No coral?

 

[CoralsAddiction]

No coral?

Doesn't look like it
"Researchers found many species of fish, stars, and sponges in the region as they worked to drudge up reef materials over a period of several years, Nat Geo reported. Most of the fish species are carnivorous, and one giant sponge extracted from the region was as heavy as a baby elephant."

 

[ZOAREEFTANK]

That's a big sponge


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[laverda]

Looks like a pile of coraline covered rocks to me! At least on my cell phone.

 

[dodgerblew]

Looks like a pile of coraline covered rocks to me! At least on my cell phone.

Pretty much what I thought too and I had a larger screen

 

[matthemmings]

Haven't they sold the rights to drill for oil there?

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[Rakie]

Haven't they sold the rights to drill for oil there?

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Yep, and BP as well as TEPCO will be drilling there extremely soon.

This reef is mostly gorgonians, and sponges, maybe a few softies. The water is so dark and muddy it makes sense that it was A) Not seen for decades even though it was arguably 'right in front of us' and B) Not a great habitat for photosynthetic non-filter feeders.