Pachyseris speciosa coral in Disney Lake, Nikko Bay, Palau

I photographed this Pachyseris speciosa coral formation in Disney Lake, a saltwater enclosure in the Rock Islands of Palau. The lake is only accessible via a submerged tunnel. The lake and surrounding area is sheltered from wind and waves, and almost no one enters the enclosed area, so some species of coral that are normally fragile are able to grow to large sizes. This coral formation was so thin at its edge that light can shine through. Lit from behind, the lines comprising the coral growth reminded me of flowing volcanic lava.

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Filename: pachyseris-speciosa-coral-disney-lake-nikko-bay-palau-201102-025.tif
Copyright: Copyright Tony Wu. All rights reserved. No duplication without prior written permission
Image Size: 4919x3279 / 46.2MB; https://www.photoshelter.com/support/license#rm; https://www.tony-wu.com/contact-tony-wu; Coral Hard Coral Animalia Cnidaria Anthozoa Scleractinia Agariciidae Pachyseris speciosa Least Concern: IUCN Red List Pacific Philippine Sea Caroline Islands Palau Koror Island Disney Lake Nikko Bay Backlighting Fragile
Contained in galleries: Exploring Palau by Kayak, Coral Reefs, Marine Life | Palau, Palau

I photographed this Pachyseris speciosa coral formation in Disney Lake, a saltwater enclosure in the Rock Islands of Palau. The lake is only accessible via a submerged tunnel. The lake and surrounding area is sheltered from wind and waves, and almost no one enters the enclosed area, so some species of coral that are normally fragile are able to grow to large sizes. This coral formation was so thin at its edge that light can shine through. Lit from behind, the lines comprising the coral growth reminded me of flowing volcanic lava.