"I've never seen such a lush environment, says Santiago Herrera, a deep-sea biologist at Lehigh University, who took part in the July expedition. There's so much life, and it's so abundant that you can lose perspective on where you are."
"Unlike shallow-water coral reefs, deep-sea coral colonies live in complete darkness. They filter feed on the detritus that falls from the surface rather than on the sugars produced by symbiotic plants."
"But much like other corals, those born in the darkness can be brightly colored. Small animals take shelter in lush coral colonies, which are also sensitive to changes in water temperature and acidity."
A coral colony off Argentina's coast has been discovered, showcasing a vibrant ecosystem. Researchers conducted expeditions in 2025 to document this underwater environment. The colony, located in the Mar Del Plata Submarine Canyon, is over 3,500 meters deep. Deep-sea corals filter feed on detritus and can be brightly colored despite living in darkness. These ecosystems are sensitive to temperature and acidity changes but have largely avoided severe impacts, making them crucial for research and conservation efforts.
Read at www.scientificamerican.com
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