Pink Parasol Coral

Image: NOAA

Oh. My... I think I'm in love!

This is one of the most gloriously absurd things I've ever seen! It's Metallogorgia melanotrichos, a deep sea Gorgonian coral that puts all its pretty polyps at the end of a long stalk. They reach about 1 metre (3.3 feet) in total height.

They are found at depths between 270 and 1,800 metres (885 - 5,900 ft) in various parts of the Atlantic and Pacific. They've been found on knolls and seamounts, which are underwater hills and mountains. I guess they're taking advantage of the currents as water rushes up the inclines taking coral food along with it.

I think it's fabulous! We now have a weird pink palm tree to go with our weird pink trees, mushrooms and cacti. I knew it was weird down there but I had no idea it was so floral!