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Benin's 'Twilight Reef' Reveals Living Treasures
31 Jul
Summary
- A living coral reef discovered off Benin's coast, previously thought dead.
- Researchers found mesophotic coral ecosystems at 54 meters deep.
- The reef hosts soft octocorals, black corals, and eight fish species.
A stunning discovery has been made off the coast of Benin, revealing a vibrant coral reef community previously thought to be extinct. This 'twilight reef,' located approximately 54 meters below the surface in the Gulf of Guinea, represents a significant find in marine exploration.
Researchers employed advanced sonar technology and underwater drones to survey the area. The expedition, which took place between April and December 2025, confirmed the presence of living coral structures. These mesophotic ecosystems, existing in dimly lit waters, are crucial habitats.
The newly documented reef is characterized by lush, living coral gardens, predominantly featuring soft octocorals and black corals. These formations shelter at least eight species of fish, including golden African snappers and Guinean angelfish, highlighting the rich biodiversity.
This finding challenges earlier assessments from the 1960s that declared the reefs dead based on limited technology. The rediscovery emphasizes the vast, unexplored marine biodiversity in West Africa's coastal regions and the importance of further research and conservation efforts.
