This photograph depicts the landscape
of the West and East Flower Garden Banks. It illustrates the
high coral coverage (around 50%), and competition for space
between colonies - some of the dominant species are shown::
great star coral (Montastraea cavernosa)( M.
franksii) the star coral that is dotted with embedding
barnacles, bounder brain coral (Colpophyllia natans),
and symmetrical brain coral (Diploria strigosa.) The
sandy valleys found at the West Bank may indicate ancient
spur and groove formations - typical of shallow reef
systems. These sandy areas are favorite resting places for
loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta), and habitat
for queen conch (Strombus gigas). (photo: Frank and
Joyce Burek)
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