Dive In Deeper - The Rocky Reef

In the marine environment hard surfaces are quite rare, so any hard surfaces become readily colonised. So that a rocky seabed becomes a deep reef habitat as animals settle out of the currents to take up residence. Even artificial structures, like oil platforms and sunken ships are quickly transformed into living reefs.

In underwater canyons where fast moving currents flow past the rock face many animals can make a good living. The currents provide a rich source of food for those animals that can hold tightly enough to catch a meal.

Plumose anemones and soft corals called dead man’s fingers wave stinging tentacles to trap passing prey. Brittle stars, sea squirts, and sponges filter the water for food. Countless other species rove in between the animals that make up the reef, seeking shelter and food.

Cracks and crevices in the bedrock provide hiding spots for more mobile animals like conger eels, wolffish, octopuses, and lobsters, these are opportunistic hunters and scavengers that will pick off unsuspecting prey.