Giant Deep-sea Coral

Man holding giant deep-sea coral.Bottom trawl nets are notorious for ripping up deep-sea corals such as this magnificent species (Paragorgia). Some Paragorgia corals grow two storeys high with trunks the size of lampposts and provide the habitat for a variety of deep sea creatures. Scientists believe there are 4 species of Paragorgia coral in New Zealand waters. Around the mid-1980s they used to be found on East Cape seamounts. No photos have ever been taken of this species of Paragorgia alive in it's natural environment, in New Zealand waters. Scientists estimate the corals are around 350 years old.