Dense aggregations of antipatharian corals have been discovered by means of remotely operated vehicle (ROV) photo-imaging off the western Pontine Islands (Central-Tyrrhenian Sea, Italy). These black coral assemblages are mainly composed of Parantipathes larix and Leiopathes glaberrima . This discovery constitutes an update of their habitat distribution for the Mediterranean Sea and is relevant for the development of focused protection measures for the study area.

Depth range
130- 220 m

Mesophotic “mentions”
0 x (total of 2780 words)

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

Fields
Community structure
Ecology

Focusgroups
Antipatharia (Black Corals)

Locations
Italy - Ligurian-Tyrrhenian

Platforms
Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV)