Fact Sheet. Deep-sea corals and sponges exist in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. The corals and sponges grow upwards, off the seafloor, creating a varied habitat for many other living creatures. Their intricate shapes and structures provide many small spaces for other living creatures within the coral and sponge communities, just as trees create complex habitats for insects, birds, and other animals. Some of these communities are home to thousands of invertebrates and vertebrates. Deep-sea corals and sponges function as foundation species, providing many vital ecosystem services to other organisms.

Click the links on the right to view the full version of this Fact Sheet and learn more about the many ecosystem services deep-sea corals support.

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