The occurrence of the candelabrum coral Ellisella paraplexauroides in Italian waters (Sicily Strait, Mediterranean Sea), was documented during a remotely operated vehicle cruise, carried out by ISPRA in May 2010 on-board the RV ‘Astrea’. Five specimens were photographed and sampled from 80 to 94 m depth on the north-east coasts of Pantelleria Island, confirming the distribution of this species in the central Mediterranean Sea. A description of the living colonies and other taxonomic and ecological characteristics is provided.

Depth range
80- 94 m

Mesophotic “mentions”
3 x (total of 3651 words)

Classification
* Presents original data
* Focused on 'mesophotic' depth range
* Focused on 'temperate mesophotic ecosystem'

Fields
Biodiversity
Ecology

Focusgroups
Octocorallia (Soft Corals)

Locations
Italy - Mediterranean

Platforms
Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV)