Creature Feature: Feathery Black Coral

Feathery black coral. Photo Credit: Greg McFall

The feathery black coral species (Myriopathes cf. ulex, ʻĒkaha kū moana in Hawaiian) was only recently discovered in the Monument, because it is typically found in waters deeper than 200 feet that are only accessible through advanced diving technologies such as technical diving or submersibles. Feathery black corals are important to the Monument's ecosystems, because they create habitat for a myriad of associated species that hide among its branches such as butterflyfishes, shrimps and crabs. This species is found throughout the Indo-Pacific and can grow to heights of over 5 feet. Due to its massive height, feathery black coral is harvested commercially in some places to produce black coral jewelry.

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