Mesophotic coral reefs are ecosystems found below 30 m and down to 150 m depth. Even though interest in these ecosystems has increased in recent years, several aspects still need further attention, including symbiotic associations. During survey of the upper mesophotic reefs in Faafu Atoll, Republic of Maldives, we observed a stable, and likely mutualistic, association between the octocoral Bebryce cf grandicalyx , a sponge belonging to the family Suberitidae, and the hydrozoan Zanclea timida . Additionally, several other organisms were found dwelling on the octocoral and sponge surface, including amphipods, barnacles, entoprocts, flatworms, brittle stars, and foraminiferans.

Depth range
40- 50 m

Mesophotic “mentions”
4 x (total of 1629 words)

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

Fields
Ecology

Focusgroups
Octocorallia (Soft Corals)
Porifera (Sponges)
Hydrozoa

Locations
Republic of Maldives