Gorgonia, Deep Down

Alcyonacea or soft corals are an order of corals that do not produce calcium carbonate skeletons. Formerly known as gorgonians, they are sessile colonial cnidar...
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Alcyonacea or soft corals are an order of corals that do not produce calcium carbonate skeletons. Formerly known as gorgonians, they are sessile colonial cnidarian animals found throughout the oceans of the world, especially in the tropics and subtropics. (Wikipedia)

This is an Adriatic specimen, photographed under a small isle south of Ugljan Island. "Venus fans" are usually found between 15 and 50 meters depth, which is mainly dependent upon the seabed type, configuration, and the currents that bring food to the polyps.

Please do not ever think you could dry and conserve it. The uneducated which have tried it ended up with a sadly disfigured and cinder-black dry... nothing.

The Gorgonias are beautiful only in their natural ambient! While drying, the dead organism stinks to high heaven... but the worst of all, there will be yet anther purposeless damage done to our already fragile seas.

Enjoy the Gorgonian colonies where you find them! Like every responsible diver will say, "leave only bubbles, take only memories" - and photos!
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