A-37 



not known whether the southern and northern forms are the 

 same species or closely allied species. 



Aoanthogorgia armata is a fluffy white to pink soft 

 coral restricted to hard substrates. Approximately four 

 polyps branch off from the main axis at any given level 

 giving the colony a very delicate bushy appearance. This 

 coral was found throughout the canyons in the study area at 

 depths ranging from 600 to 2500 meters. A stouter yellow 

 gorgorian with large polyps was frequently found directly 

 next to an A. armata colony. At present the species iden- 

 tification of this coral or whether there is an association 

 between it and A. armata is not known. 



Eunephthya frutioosa is a translucent white gorgonian 

 with branches and polyps radiating out from a central axis. 

 This species presented a major problem in species identifi- 

 cation, because preserved specimens of E. frutiaosa are 

 opaque grey and broccoli shaped. It was found in the 

 southern region of the study area at depths ranging from 

 2300 to 3100 meters. A similar but shorter and denser coral 

 was seen in Corsair and Heezen Canyons between the depths of 

 600 to 1200 meters. This coral is probably E. florida, which 

 is known to be common in that area. 



Anthoptilum grandiflorum is a large fluffy plum colored 

 whip with polyps arranged in oblique rows along its axis. 

 Six individuals of this species were seen in the northern 

 region of the study area between the depths of 900-2200 meters, 



Baltioina finmarahiaa is a pale slender whip with polyps 

 arranged in oblique rows along its axis. Six individuals of 

 this species were seen in the northern region of the study 

 area between the depths of 900-2200 meters. 



