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Collaborator Contributions

Smithsonian zoologist Dr. Steve Cairns named and described this deep-sea coral species, Stephanocyathus paliferus, now preserved at the National Museum of Natural History.

Corals at the Smithsonian

Smithsonian zoologist Dr. Steve Cairns named and described this deep-sea coral species, Stephanocyathus paliferus, which is now preserved in the collections of the National Museum of Natural History. The specimens will contribute to future research about deep sea corals. Collection cards record where and at what depths this particular species lives. Learn more about how ocean scientists study deep-sea corals in our Deep-sea Corals article.

Searching for useful chemicals, ocean scientists grow bacteria associated with deep-sea coral on nutrient agar.

Growing Bacteria from Corals

Searching for useful chemicals, marine scientists grow bacteria associated with deep-sea coral on nutrient agar to identify the bacteria and test their metabolic and biochemical capabilities. Some may be sources of potential medicines. Learn more about how ocean scientists study deep-sea corals in our Deep-sea Corals article.

A marine scientist performs a genetic analysis on a sample of deep-sea coral to find out if it is a known or new species.

Genetic Analysis of Coral

A marine scientist performs a genetic analysis on a sample of deep-sea coral to find out if it is a known species or one new to science. Find out how ocean scientists study deep-sea corals in our Deep-sea Corals article.

Marine scientists photographed and measured this gorgonian coral and deep-sea shrimp just as they were collected—together.

Sample Close-up

Marine scientists photographed and measured this gorgonian coral (Chrysogorgia sp.) and deep-sea shrimp (Bathypalaemonella sp.) just as they were collected—together. Find out how ocean scientists study deep-sea corals in our Deep-sea Corals article.

After ocean scientists sort deep-sea coral samples into their different types, they measure and photograph the specimens.

Photographing Coral Samples

After ocean scientists sort deep-sea corals according to their different types, they carefully measure and photograph the specimens. Find out how ocean scientists study deep-sea corals in our Deep-sea Corals article.

The Johnson-Sea-Link submersible returns with a specimen of Keratoisis bamboo coral inside its collection box.

Submersible with Coral Samples

The Johnson-Sea-Link submersible reaches the ocean’s surface with a specimen of Keratoisis bamboo coral inside its collection box. Find out how ocean scientists study deep-sea corals in our Deep-sea Corals article.

This 200-year-old bamboo coral colony is growing on the Davidson Seamount. The skeleton has bamboo-like segments.

Bamboo Coral

This 200-year-old bamboo coral colony is growing on the Davidson Seamount off the coast of California. The skeleton of this deep-sea coral has bamboo-like segments. See more pictures of coral in our Deep-sea Corals article.

A fan-shaped colony of red coral (Corallium sp.) provides a perch for three basket stars as they feed.

Red Coral

A fan-shaped colony of red coral (Corallium sp.) on the Davidson Seamount provides a perch for three basket stars as they feed. See more pictures of coral in our Deep-sea Corals article.

Tree corals like this Calyptrophora bayer can grow several meters high and resemble brightly colored trees.

Red Tree Coral

Tree corals like this Calyptrophora bayer can grow several meters high and resemble brightly colored trees. This deep-sea coral was found 1,683 m (5,522 ft) deep on the Davidson Seamount. See more pictures of coral in our Deep-sea Corals article.

The pink strands of this coral harbor a variety of organisms. Sea whips are gorgonian corals, with flexible skeletons.

Sea Whip Coral

The pink strands of this single deep-sea coral harbor a variety of marine life. Sea whips are gorgonian corals and have flexible skeletons. See more pictures of coral in our Deep-sea Corals article.