Blacksmith Chromis and California golden gorgonian on underwater rocky reef, San Clemente Island. The golden gorgonian is a filter-feeding temperate colonial species that lives on the rocky bottom at depths between 50 to 200 feet deep. Each individual polyp is a distinct animal, together they secrete calcium that forms the structure of the colony. Gorgonians are oriented at right angles to prevailing water currents to capture plankton drifting by. San Clemente Island, California, USA
Stock Photo: 30895 Species: Blacksmith, California golden gorgonian, Chromis punctipinnis, Muricea californica Location: San Clemente Island, California, USA Format: Digital 9:16 Copyright © Phillip Colla, all rights reserved worldwide.
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