Black Coral

Photo: 104623964081378888743 · CC BY-NC

Black coral trees grow from the Cathedral's outer wall at depths below 15 metres, their branching skeletons — paradoxically white when living and covered in dark polyps — forming complex three-dimensional structures that support dozens of invertebrate species. They are slow-growing organisms that take decades to reach substantial size, and their presence here indicates minimal historical trawling or anchor disturbance in this section of reef. Several colonies in the deeper sections are estimated to be over 100 years old, classified as a protected species under Bermudian law.