Gorgonian And Juvenile Sheephead Wrasse Photo

California golden gorgonian and Sheephead wrasse fish on rocky reef, below kelp forest, underwater. 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. Catalina Island, California, USA, natural history stock photograph, photo id 34183

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California golden gorgonian and Sheephead wrasse fish on rocky reef, below kelp forest, underwater. 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. Catalina Island, California, USA

Stock Photo: 34183
Location: Catalina Island, California, USA
Format: Digital 2:3
Copyright © Phillip Colla, all rights reserved worldwide.

Keywords: california, catalina, catalina island, farnsworth banks, island, marine, ocean, pacific, seamount, underwater