*  This habitat was found on a night dive at Tagus Cove.  Dominating the scene are a pair of differently colored non reef-building Hard Coral (Tubastraea tagusensis).  At the time of this image, such  were numerous in the middle depths on the walls at Tagus Cove. Night diving there was an unforgettable experience.  These Tubastreas  were among a number of organisms believed to be extinct, a victim of a warming of the waters about the Galápagos Islands in the El Niño of 1982.  Nature is persistent. Specimens of several such have now been discovered at various spots in the Galápagos.

In the upper left, in white and orange, is a colony of serpulid worms (Filograna implexa). To the left appear white, finger-like organisms seem to protrude from a tan base.  These we have been unable to identify.  Our best guess is a form of articulated coralline algae (?)  Visible also are varieties of green and brown algae.

Tagus Cove, Isla Isabela, Islas Galápagos, Ecuador - Depth 40 feet or 12 meters