Fauna
Invertebrate · GBIF taxon 2262087

Bubble Gum Coral

Paragorgia arborea

Also known as Tree Bubblegum Coral, Bubblegum Tree Coral

Colonies of bubble gum coral form massive, fan-like arboreal thickets that can tower over six meters high across dark continental slopes and seamounts. Unlike tropical reef-builders, these deep-sea octocorals lack photosynthetic symbionts, relying entirely on ocean currents to sweep nutrient-rich particulate matter into their eight-tentacled polyps. Their intricate branches create essential architectural habitats that shelter deep-water fish, crabs, and brittle stars in some of the coldest waters on Earth.

Deep-SeaCold-WaterColonial
Bubble Gum Coral reference
Licensed referenceNOAA/Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute / Public domain · cc0
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Near ThreatenedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNear ThreatenedRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & prey
  • Zooplankton
  • Marine snow
  • Copepods
Predators
  • Deep-sea sea stars (Hippasteria phrygiana)
  • Predatory sea slugs
ThreatsCommercial bottom trawling, oil and gas exploration, seabed mining, and ocean acidification.
HabitatsRocky seamounts, continental slopes, knolls, and deep submarine canyons at depths of 200–1,300 m.
Life span100–500+ years
Classification
  1. FamilyCoralliidae
  2. SpeciesParagorgia arborea
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
What to notice
Recognized by its massive, branching tree-like structure and bulbous, berry-like polyp clusters, typically salmon-pink to bright red or white.
Support conservation
Maintain strict non-contact protocols with submersibles and ROVs to prevent physical strikes and silting.
Responsible observation
  • Submersible Viewing: Observe via remote-operated vehicle lights without causing thruster wash that stirs up choking sediment.
  • Habitat Protection: Advocate for marine protected areas and deep-sea bottom trawling bans to safeguard slow-growing colonies.
Related species
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