Gorgonian and Juvenile Sheephead Wrasse, #34183

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, USA

Location: Catalina Island, California
Image ID: 34183
Format: Digital 2:3