Venus comb murex. Scientists speculate that the distinctively long and narrow spines are a protection against fish and other mollusks and prevent the mollusk from sinking into the soft, sandy mud where it is commonly found.
Species: Venus comb murex, Murex pecten
Image ID: 12970
The Tree of Eons, a spectacular dendritic formation in the Bentonite Hills of Utah. Fantastic colorful sedimentary patterns, ancient Bentonite layers are exposed through erosion in the Utah Badlands. The Bentonite Hills are composed of the Brushy Basin shale member of the Morrison Formation. This layer was formed during Jurassic times when mud, silt, fine sand, and volcanic ash were deposited in swamps and lakes. Photographed just before sunrise with soft pre-dawn illumination. Aerial panoramic photograph.
Location: Utah
Image ID: 37951
Panorama dimensions: 11000 x 15000
Sunset light and acropora table coral on pristine tropical reef. Table coral competes for space on the coral reef by growing above and spreading over other coral species keeping them from receiving sunlight.
Location: Wakaya Island, Lomaiviti Archipelago, Fiji
Image ID: 31315
Closeup view of colorful dendronephthya soft corals, reaching out into strong ocean currents to capture passing planktonic food, Fiji.
Species: Dendronephthya soft coral, Dendronephthya
Location: Fiji
Image ID: 34709
Anthias fishes school in strong currents above hard and soft corals on a Fijian coral reef, Fiji.
Species: Anthias, Pseudanthias
Location: Bligh Waters, Fiji
Image ID: 34719
Anthias fishes school in strong currents above hard and soft corals on a Fijian coral reef, Fiji.
Species: Anthias, Pseudanthias
Location: Bligh Waters, Fiji
Image ID: 34721