Along the Sinai coast of the Red Sea a deep diving survey with the research submersible GEO investigated the depth distribution of stony corals. 47 hermatypic species were identified below 50m; 9 species extended below 100m. Their depth distributions are related to light penetration. Observed changes in hermatype growth forms with depth were investigated and interpreted as photo-adaptations. 10 species of ahermatypic corals were found between 1OC-205 m. Ahermatype growth forms are adaptations to plankton feeding and do not change with depth.

Depth range
50- 215 m

Mesophotic “mentions”
0 x (total of 10742 words)

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

Fields
Biodiversity
Community structure
Ecology
Geomorphology

Focusgroups
Scleractinia (Hard Corals)
Overall benthic (groups)

Locations
Egypt - Red Sea

Platforms
Manned Submersible