Sea Fan

Photo: Bernat Garrigós · © all rights reserved

Massive sea fans of the genus Melithaea have established themselves along the Hakkai Maru's upper railings and mast arms, reaching extraordinary sizes due to the consistent plankton supply carried through the harbour on tidal exchange. These gorgonian corals are slow-growing filter feeders that require decades to reach meter-scale proportions, making their presence on the Hakkai Maru an indication of how long the wreck has been left undisturbed. Tiny pygmy seahorses and cowries are often found clinging to the fan's branches by patient observers.