Scientists marked this coral reef as dead in the 1960s; underwater drones found it alive.. | TheBriefWire
Scientists marked this coral reef as dead in the 1960s; underwater drones found it alive..
Published 20 July 2026 ยท science
After being presumed extinct for sixty years, a remarkable coral reef off West Africa has been rediscovered, thriving with an array of fish and coral
After being presumed extinct for sixty years, a remarkable coral reef off West Africa has been rediscovered, thriving with an array of fish and coral species. This vibrant mesophotic coral ecosystem thrives in low-light environments beneath the ocean's surface. Researchers speculate that similar hidden reefs could exist along the West African coastline, providing valuable insights into the evolutionary history of the region's marine life and past environmental changes.
Published: July 20, 2026 โข 7:49 PM IST ยท Updated: July 20, 2026 โข 8:34 PM ISTBy TheBriefWire Editorial Team
Key points
After being presumed extinct for sixty years, a remarkable coral reef off West Africa has been rediscovered, thriving with an array of fish and coral species.
This vibrant mesophotic coral ecosystem thrives in low-light environments beneath the ocean's surface.
Researchers speculate that similar hidden reefs could exist along the West African coastline, providing valuable insights into the evolutionary history of the region's marine life and past environmental changes.