Researchers have discovered a massive black coral colony deep in Fiordland, New Zealand. The specimen measures 4 meters tall and 4.5 meters wide and is estimated to be 300 to 400 years old. Scientists believe it ranks among the largest of its kind recorded in the country's waters.
The find occurred during a research dive in the protected fiord waters. Professor James Bell of Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington called the coral "absolutely huge" and noted it was the largest he had seen in 25 years of work.
Richard Kinsey, a senior biodiversity ranger with the Department of Conservation, described the moment the team encountered the colony. "To see such a large coral looming out of the darkness was pretty special," he said.
Black corals grow slowly and are protected under New Zealand's Wildlife Act. The discovery will help efforts to map large colonies and guide measures against anchoring or fishing gear that could damage them.
