Stetson Bank is dominated by fire
coral (Millepora alcicornis), algae, and many species
of sponges. The front side of the pinnacles drop down
steeply to depths beyond scuba diving capabilities, and
behind them, smooth out to flats, covered at times with
Dictyota meadows - a type of brown algae. According to
researchers at University of Southern Louisiana (under the
direction of Dr. Suzanne Fredericq), is rather unusual for
the banks depth and location. Seen in this picture in the
flats are bermuda chub (Kyphosus sectatrix). Large
schools of chub often congregate underneath vessels moored
at the banks. They come down to the substrate to be cleaned,
or to forage. Queen conch (Strombus gigas), southern
stingrays (Dasyatis americana), nurse sharks
(Ginglymostoma cirratum) and long-spined sea urchins
(Diadema antillarium) are common inhabitants of the
Stetson Bank flats. (photo: Frank and Joyce Burek)
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