We’ve been working hard to document this reef. There’s a daily struggle to get the camera up and running, and the steady supply of nutrients dropped by the island’s colonies of birds and bats compromises the visibility, but the conditions are perfect for growing a wide variety of coral.

Corals aren’t the only invertebrates on display, there are huge clams,

and tiny starfish.

In fact, these reefs are a awash with mismanaged growth and nonexistent zoning.

 

There are some tasteful arrangements of coral and feather stars.

The feather star is a perfect accessory,

and there is no better combination than a feather star and a purple soft coral.

Christmas Tree Worms attract the lens like jewels on a lumpy diva.

The symmetry improves as you get closer,

and the chaos is resolved into pattern.

There are dark mysterious caves where no polyps grow,

 

but the best colors are in the good light.