A-33 



Its reported geographic distribution is from Massachusetts 

 to Florida at depths ranging from 48 to 366 meters. In this 

 study it was observed on the continental shelf between Balti- 

 more and Hudson Canyons and on the shelf near the head of 

 Hudson Canyon. When it occurred D. lymani was found in 

 extremely high density, probably as a result of its repro- 

 ductive mode, with dead individuals forming a considerable 

 mat of coral rubble on the surface. This coral is found on 

 soft substrates. 



Desmophyllum cristagalli is a pale pink large horn- 

 shaped solitary coral always found attached to hard sub- 

 strates. This species was found only in canyons where 

 outcrops provided a suitable habitat. Its geographic 

 distribution is from Nova Scotia to Brazil at depths ranging 

 from 155 to 1939 meters. During this survey D. ovistagalli 

 was observed attached to outcrops at depths ranging from 1000 

 to 1900 meters. It frequently occurred in dense concentra- 

 tions on underhangs, with a downward facing orientation which 

 probably protects the polyp from sediment loading. 



Flabellum alabastvum is a large salmon-colored solitary 

 cup coral. It is found on soft substrates from Georges Bank 

 to Cape Hatteras at depths ranging from 400 to 1200 meters. 

 In the study area it was found in both canyons and on the 

 slope from 600 to 2 500 meters. Many of the individuals seen 

 were probably F. alabastvum , however, some of the deeper ones 

 may well have been F. angularis or F. moseleyi . 



